The Science & Technology group at KU Leuven Campus Kulak in Kortrijk offers education across a broad range of bachelor’s programmes in the sciences, including mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. The campus hosts several active research groups, fostering a multidisciplinary and stimulating environment for staff, researchers, and students alike.
We are offering a 4-year PhD position in space physics, with a strong focus on numerical simulations of plasma processes using state-of-the-art codes on high-performance computing systems. The successful candidate will carry out their research within the Department of Mathematics and contribute to teaching through a limited assignment, primarily involving the supervision of practice sessions in the Science & Technology programmes at KU Leuven Kulak.
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Project
The selected candidate will join the group of Prof. Nicolas Wijsen. Over the course of four years, they will conduct numerical simulations in space physics, with a focus on modelling energetic particles produced during large-scale solar eruptions.
The Sun is a dynamic star that frequently ejects massive plasma clouds into space—so-called coronal mass ejections. When accompanied by strong shock waves, these eruptions can accelerate particles to extremely high energies. These solar energetic particles (SEPs) are not only of great scientific interest, but also pose serious risks to satellites, astronauts, and even infrastructure on Earth.
The PhD project aims to improve our understanding of SEP acceleration and transport, particularly in the complex magnetic environment of the solar corona. Using advanced numerical models and observational data from missions such as Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, the candidate will investigate how SEPs are generated and how they propagate through space.
The project is closely aligned with current and future ESA and NASA space missions, combining fundamental plasma physics with practical applications in space weather forecasting. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment, with access to high-performance computing facilities and in-house expertise in numerical plasma modelling. There will be opportunities for collaboration with both national and international partners, as well as for contributing to the interpretation of in-situ and remote-sensing spacecraft data.
Profile
You have a master's degree (or will obtain your degree this academic year) in physics, astrophysics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related subject.
- You have a strong interest in computational physics, space physics or solar physics.
- Experience with programming (e.g. Python, C++) and numerical simulations is a plus.
- You obtained at least a distinction during your studies
- You like to work independently but also function well in a team.
- You are willing to take on teaching tasks (practice sessions) in Dutch for physics and/or mathematics subjects in the bachelor's programs in Sciences and Engineering Sciences at Campus Kulak Kortrijk.
The successful PhD applicant will have to register at, and comply with, the regulations of the KU Leuven’s Arenberg Doctoral School before final acceptance. Good knowledge of the English language is a requirement to be approved by the doctoral school. The successful PhD applicant will follow a doctoral programme including personal training in management, science communication, and teaching. As part of the doctoral requirements, the student will have to take up a teaching task of on average 4 hours per week in one of the Bachelor programmes (in Dutch).
Funding for the full PhD (4 years) is guaranteed, but the selected candidate will be encouraged to later submit a proposal for an PhD Fellowship application at the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO).
Offer
The selected PhD student will be offered a 1-year contract, renewable up to a total duration of 4 years. The salary will be commensurate to the standard scale for PhD students in Belgium; it includes social and medical insurance as well as pension rights. The foreseen starting date is October 1st 2025 but can be negotiated.
Interested?
The application will require:
- A curriculum vitae;
- A list of all master courses with corresponding ECTS and individual scores obtained;
- A motivation letter
- Contact details of two references
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