The Science & Technology Group at KU Leuven Campus Kulak in Kortrijk offers education in a broad range of bachelor’s programmes in the sciences, including mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. With several active research groups on campus, Kulak provides a multidisciplinary and stimulating environment for staff, researchers, and students. The successful candidate will become part of the Space Plasma Research Lab, where research focuses on space physics and advanced computational modelling of plasma processes.
We are offering a junior postdoctoral position in space physics, with a strong focus on kinetic particle-in-cell simulations of plasma processes using state-of-the-art codes on high-performance computing systems. The successful candidate will be appointed in the Department of Mathematics and will carry out their research at KU Leuven Campus Kulak.
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Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate particle acceleration at CME-driven shocks using kinetic plasma simulations, with the broader aim of improving physics-based models of solar energetic particle events. The work will focus on particle-in-cell simulations of collisionless shocks under heliospheric conditions, including the effects of shock geometry, upstream turbulence, and large-scale magnetic-field structures.
The numerical work can build on in-house codes such as iPiC3D or ECsim, but candidates are also welcome to use other suitable kinetic plasma codes. KU Leuven provides access to local Tier-2 high-performance computing facilities, while Belgian Tier-1 supercomputing resources are accessible through dedicated computing proposals.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- perform and analyse kinetic simulations of particle acceleration in collisionless shocks;
- investigate how particle injection and acceleration depend on upstream plasma conditions, turbulence, and magnetic-field geometry;
- compare simulation results with relevant spacecraft observations where appropriate;
- publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.
Profile
Required qualifications
- You hold a PhD in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computational science, or a closely related field.
- You have a strong interest in plasma physics, preferably with expertise in kinetic descriptions of space or astrophysical plasmas.
- You have at least basic knowledge of solar physics, heliophysics, and space-weather processes.
- You have experience with numerical modelling and the use of parallel computing facilities.
- You can work independently, communicate results clearly, and publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
Desirable qualifications
- Experience with kinetic plasma simulations, in particular particle-in-cell methods.
- Experience with spacecraft observations.
- Experience with solar energetic particles, collisionless shocks, coronal mass ejections, or heliospheric modelling.
The position is intended for a junior postdoctoral researcher, within three years of obtaining their PhD at the time of application.
Offer
We offer a full-time one-year postdoctoral contract, renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory performance. The position comes with a competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven regulations.
The available project funding covers a maximum period of two years. Further extension may be possible depending on performance evaluation and the availability of additional funding.
The selected candidate will be encouraged to propose and pursue research directions aligned with their own scientific interests within the broader scope of the project. We value initiative and actively support the development of new research lines.
Interested?
Applications must be submitted through the KU Leuven application portal and should include:
1. a curriculum vitae, including a publication list;
2. a motivation letter, maximum one page;
3. a statement of research interests or research proposal, in free format, with a maximum length of 2 pages excluding references;
4. the contact details of two referees. Reference letters are not required at this stage and will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nicolas Wijsen, email:
[email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
