DTU Space would like to invite applications for a 3-year PhD position starting in June 2015 on the topic of Earth’s decaying dipole magnetic field. The funding is shared between the Danish Council for Independent Research and the Technical University of Denmark.
The position will be based in the Division of Geomagnetism whose research focuses on exploring the Earth and its environment using the geomagnetic field. Earth’s magnetic field, is a fundamental aspect of our planet’s natural environment that protects us from the solar wind. It has for many centuries provided a natural means of orientation, and is today used in many mobile devices and by the directional drilling industry. The Earth’s magnetic field is however weakening – the strength of its primary dipole part has decayed by almost 10% since direct records began in 1840.
Responsibilities and tasks
In this PhD project, the student will use new satellite and ground-based magnetic measurements to test the hypothesis that the decay in the Earth’s dipole is driven by a planetary-scale gyre in the planet’s liquid metal outer core. The underlying physics of dipole decay will also be studied using numerical modeling.
The PhD student will develop new techniques in order to isolate slow changes in Earth’s magnetic field using data collected by ESA’s Swarm satellite trio, launched in November 2013. This will involve working with large observational data sets, implementing and testing new source-separation algorithms and carrying out comparisons with independent ground observatory data. In the second part of the project, the student will compare the observed patterns of field change with predictions from numerical models of the geodynamo including the impact of a planetary-scale gyre in the outer core.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in physics, geophysics or engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.
We are looking for a person with:
- Good knowledge of electromagnetism
- Good programming skills, preferably in Matlab
- Good analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a strong team
- Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written
- The candidate is expected to be self-motivated and to publish the project results in international peer-reviewed journals.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by senior scientist, Chris Finlay.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
The study will be based at the DTU Space facilities on the DTU Campus in Lyngby, approximately 15 km north of central Copenhagen.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Chris Finlay, Senior Scientist, Division of Geomagnetism, DTU Space, +45 4525 9713.
You can read more about DTU Space on http://www.space.dtu.dk/English.aspx
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 February 2015.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master''s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Apply no later than 15 February 2015
Apply for the job at DTU Space by completing the following form.