PhD positions in Solar Physics

The Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics (CmPA) of the Department of Mathematics consists of five professors, many PhD students and postdoctoral researchers of international backgrounds.
The CmPA participates in many national and international projects, which has created a large research network. The CmPA research group has extensive expertise in data-driven MHD and kinetic modelling of plasmas in astrophysics.

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Project

C1 project: UnderRadioSun - Understanding the solar radio emission processes from the Sun to Earth.

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1. Student will conduct research in applied mathematics at the CmPA, leading to a PhD. The research will be about data-driven modelling of solar flares, CMEs and solar wind, as well as modelling of particle acceleration and solar radio emissions. The scientific goals are flexible and can be agreed upon based on the candidate's interests.
2. Data-driven modelling will be done using various in-house software tools. The novel observations by Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, Proba3 and LOFAR will be employed whenever possible.
3. Student should be curious and interested in solar physics and want to study everything from theory to modelling and observations.
4. Student will: a) follow the doctoral program in Arenberg Doctoral School, b) give exercise classes in mathematics, c) assist in the guidance of bachelor projects and d) assist in the organisation of workshops and other research and teaching activities.
5. Candidate should have a master's degree in mathematics, physics, astronomy, or an equivalent degree with an important mathematics component. An excellent knowledge of English is necessary (both spoken and written) with Flemish as a plus.

Offer

1. We offer 3 scholarships for a PhD student in the section Plasma Astrophysics of the Department of Mathematics funded by the C1 project UnderRadio Sun. 
2. The selected PhD student will be given a 1-year contract, renewable for 3 more years after a positive evaluation, which occurs after 9 months in the PhD. This four-year period allows a student to obtain a PhD in applied mathematics.
3. As 3 PhD scholarships are offered, the topics of the PhDs are broad, fitting within the area of (data-driven) modeling of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, particle acceleration and solar radio emission.
4. Applications are accepted until the end of March 2025, with a flexible start time from early spring until September 2025. The selection process will continue until all positions are filled.

Interested?

For more information please contact: 

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