Associate Professor in physics with focus on space plasma physics

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37 000 students and about 4 700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. And the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is what it is all about. But also about delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is built.

The Department of Physics intends to recruit an Associate Professor in computational physics with the focus on space plasma physics who can build up an independent profile in the field which will complement the research activities currently conducted in the existing space plasma physics group. The position is full-time with start on a mutually agreed date. The deadline for applications is 2023-02-09.

Duties

The candidate is expected to conduct research in space plasma physics at an internationally high level, actively seek research funding for the group, collaborate with postdoctoral fellows, and supervise doctoral students and undergraduate projects. Teaching of graduate and undergraduate courses in fundamental physics, as well as space science and space technology are included in the work tasks. The subject area comprises modelling and data analysis of plasma interactions with various solar system objects as well as objects in exoplanetary systems. High performance computing (HPC) with the latest technology will be recurring tasks, as well as studies, modeling and data analysis of plasma interactions with terrestrial objects (for example Mercury, Earth, Earth's moon, asteroids and Mars), outer planet moons and exoplanets.

Eligibility requirements

According to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance, a person shall be qualified for appointment as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor if he or she within an area has demonstrated educational expertise and holds a doctorate or has attained equivalent academic competence or other professional skills relevant with regard to the subject area of the appointment.

The PhD should relate to the subject area of plasma physics or space physics or another relevant degree where documented experience in plasma simulation technology, analysis of data from satellite- based instruments, space plasma instrumentation and plasma theory is a requirement. Documented experience of teaching at undergraduate and advanced level is a requirement. Very good English in both writing and speech is a requirement.

Assessment criteria and their weight
The assessment criteria for appointment as an associate professor/senior lecturer shall be the degree of the expertise required as a qualification for employment. As much attention shall be given to the assessment of teaching expertise as to the assessment of scientific expertise.
The weight between the criteria is that 70 % weight will be given to the scientific merits, and 20 % will be given to the pedagogic merits.  The rest (10 %) will be resting on the ability for administrative duties and to the co-operation with the surrounding society.
Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:

• breadth and depth of research – quality and scope
• originality of research
• productivity
• contributions to the international research community
• assignments within the research community
• the ability to competitively obtain external research funding
• collaboration with the surrounding society

Research expertise relates to the subject area of space plasma physics with a focus on space data analysis in solar system physics. The subject is interdisciplinary, and it is of the utmost importance that the applicant has a deep understanding of space plasma physics with a focus on space plasma modeling and space data analysis in solar system physics, with the main focus on, but not limited to, the terrestrial planets and moons, asteroids and outer planetary moons. Experience in modelling plasma interaction with exoplanetary systems is a merit. Long experience of developing space plasma simulation codes is also highly meritorious where kinetic particle-in-cell codes are of particular interest. In addition, experience in the study of planetary interiors and their internal response to the surrounding plasma environment using various techniques (for example, electromagnetic sound) is an advantage. Having an active role in international space missions and software development for space missions is also considered a merit.
Pedagogical expertise

The pedagogical expertise for employment as associate professor should be demonstrated by documented experience of teaching with scientific foundation at university level. The criteria for evaluation are:

• an ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
• an ability to vary teaching methods and examination formats in relation to anticipated study results and the nature of the subject
• experience of collaboration with the surrounding society in planning and implementation of education
• participation in the development of learning environments, teaching aids and study resources
• a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own role as a teacher

Teaching expertise should relate to the subject area of physics, such as basic physics and plasma physics. The competence can be obtained through training in teaching and learning in higher education, other education of relevance to teaching within the university and/or documented, proven experience of teaching within the university. Documented approved pedagogical courses for university teachers are meritorious.

Further qualifications

Administrative expertise shall refer to the ability to develop and lead activities and staff at the university, the ability to create collaboration between the university and industry, and to inform about research and development work.

The ability to collaborate with the surrounding society shall be assessed based on the applicant's documented experience of collaboration with the business community and other actors.

Further details

As an employee at Umeå University, you're offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work- life balance, read more about benefits here .

Application

When you apply, we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:

Attachments

CV/Umu Application template. Fill in the required application template (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. The following information must be provided in the application template:

• basic information (contact details, employment and education history)
• an account of research experience (including a list of articles published and a brief research plan)
• an account of pedagogical experience and activities
• an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
• an account of experiences regarding interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
• references, including contact details

Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas

Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list

Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.5 in Umu Application template )

See instructions for what to include in the application, as well as how to describe scientific or artistic and educational activities (pdf)

Applications should be made via e-recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than 2023-02-09.