PhD student position in theoretical plasma physics

Organisation/Company

Chalmers University of Technology

Research Field

Physics » Computational physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

29 Mar 2025 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

304--1-13731

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Magnetic fields and particle energization in space plasmas are deeply interconnected. Fundamental questions remain about the origins of magnetic fields and the mechanisms of magnetic energy release. Addressing these challenges relies on numerical modeling, yet the multi-scale nature of these phenomena imposes limitations. By leveraging novel theoretical tools and state-of-the-art computational techniques, the doctoral project will advance our understanding of these captivating topics.
About us
Our Plasma Theory group conducts theoretical and computational research on a broad range of plasma environments, with a focus on acceleration and radiation generation in magnetic fusion, laser-produced and astrophysical plasmas. In all of these areas, we have a broad international network of collaborators.

Organizationally we are part of the division of Subatomic, High-Energy and Plasma Physics within the Department of Physics . We strive to provide a stimulating and collaborative research environment with high scientific standards.

About the research project 
This PhD project explores the generation and release of magnetic field energy in plasmas, with a special focus on improving models of interactions between large-scale (global) and small-scale (kinetic) processes. This approach will shed light on the interplay between plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection, as well as the relationship between instabilities and the dynamo process that sustains cosmic magnetization. By combining ab initio numerical simulations with advanced fluid modeling, the project will enhance our understanding of extreme particle energization events that impact infrastructure in the near-Earth space environment and on Earth.

Who we are looking for
We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in physics or a closely related subject.




• Solid background in theoretical physics.




• Experience in programming and computation.




• Excellent analytical and communication skills, both oral and written.




• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Background in plasma physics.




• Research experience.

What you will do

• Perform theoretical and computational research and publish articles within the topic specified.




• Take courses relevant to the topic and on general and transferrable skills.




• Teaching as a teaching assistant or lab supervisor is also expected.




• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Physics .




• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD-positions are fully funded from start




• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.




• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.




• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .




• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here . 

Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

• CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name)




• Personal letter




• Two references that we can contact




• Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.




• Documents confirming your English proficiency: e.g. TOEFL/IELTS test results, a course/project report written in English (if your bachelor’s/master’s thesis is not in English).

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 30 March 2025  

For questions, please contact:
István Pusztai, Associate Professor, pusztai@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   

Website

https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rm…

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Physics » Computational physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chalmers University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Göteborg

Postal Code

41296

Street

Chalmers tekniska högskola

City

Göteborg

Street

Chalmers tekniska högskola

Postal Code

41296

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