Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Magnetospheric Physics - Sutherland Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8ST, GBSalary: £41,064 - £46,049Work hours: Office Hours Monday to Friday, Full TimeJob DescriptionABOUT THE ROLEWe are excited to advertise an opportunity to join a large, growing and vibrant research environment as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Northumbria University. We have wide-ranging interests in modelling, data science, theory and observations of key magnetospheric phenomena to make breakthroughs in our understanding of the near-Earth environment. Scientific topics include, but are not limited to, the energisation and decay of the high-energy environment of the radiation belts, sources, physics and consequences of wave-particle interactions, and how magnetospheric substorms provide energy input into the near-Earth space. This position is funded by Lockheed Martin, and you will work with Professor Jonathan Rae. Other magnetospheric experts at Northumbria University include Professor Clare Watt, and Drs. Sarah Bentley, Suman Chakraborty, John Coxon, and Andy Smith, who provide a collegiate environment in which to conduct your research. The position is funded for 8 months. There is potential for this post to be extended subject to further grant funding. Project Description and Scope X-ray observations are instrumental to understanding the physics of magnetospheric radiation belts and associated auroral precipitation. X-rays are also of importance for solar particle acceleration, as well as planetary and cometary science. Specific astrophysics missions also target this emission waveband to observe further back in time to the hot and energetic universe, to understand galaxy formation and evolution, and the birth and life of black holes. The purpose of this research project is to create a science and operational case for an X-ray auroral imager, to create a science traceability matrix applicable for future mission and instrument payload proposals, and to provide any suggestions to update the existing Lockheed Martin instrument design. ABOUT THE TEAM This Research Project is being delivered within the School of Engineering, Physics and Maths, as part of the Solar and Space Physics Research Group, and in collaboration with the Space Technology Research Group. Our long-term research programme includes solar physics, the solar-terrestrial connection, space weather, planetary environments and cometary physics. Evidence of the group’s success includes funding from STFC, NERC, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Astronomical Society, the US Air Force, and the UKSA. Our group is over 70 strong and growing, with 23 academic staff members that include eight independent research fellows, with support from STFC, NERC, the Royal Society and UKRI Future Leader Fellowships. The group played multiple roles in the UKRI SWIMMR (Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk) programme in support of the UK Met Office. Our Northumbria Space Technology Laboratory provides new opportunities to work with industry in the space sector. Further details about the research group can be found here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/mathematics-physics-and-electrical-engineering/research/solar-and-space-physics/ ABOUT YOU Applicants should hold a PhD in space plasma physics or related field and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in magnetospheric physics or a closely related subject. Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Jonathan Rae Due to the timescales associated with the project and the need to have the appointable candidate in post as soon as possible, we will not be able to consider candidates who do not have a current right to work in the UK.ABOUT US Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. 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