Solar Orbiter Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Wind Formation in Zürich

The Institute of Particle Physics and Astrophysics at ETH Zurich hosts a solar astrophysics group. The lead, Louise Harra, is also the director at PMOD/WRC in Davos. The position is based at  in Davos Dorf, Switzerland.
Founded in 1907, PMOD/WRC is concerned with the study of solar radiation and its effect on the Earth's climate. PMOD/WRC has been involved in space instrumentation since the 1980s, including the spectrometer SPICE and the EUV Imager EUI onboard the ESA Solar Orbiter mission, and the future Solar Spectral Irradiance Monitor onboard the JAXA Solar-C mission. 

This position is based on Solar Orbiter mission data in order to understand solar activity and its impact. PMOD/WRC were involved in the design and build of two instruments onboard Solar Orbiter (SPICE and EUI), and are actively engaged in the data analysis focussing on the sources of the solar wind. This position is focused on understanding small-scale structures on the Sun and how they can create plasma that forms part of the solar wind. 

The main duties are to undertake original research in the area of solar physics. Specifically, the topic will be on understanding sources of the solar wind, such as regions of upflowing plasma in active regions or jets using data from the Solar Orbiter space mission. There are also opportunities to work with data from the new 4m telescope DKIST which had its first light at the end of 2019. It is expected that you will communicate the results through regular publication of high-impact journals and presentations at conferences. You should collaborate actively within the Solar Orbiter team (and other mission teams) to prepare for new scientific opportunities and observing plans. 

• It is expected that you will have a PhD or MSc in a relevant field with a strong background in physics. 
• Experience in solar space data is desirable.
• The solar data analysis and calibration software packages are in IDL and python, so experience in one of these is desirable. 

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.