University of Northumbria
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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ABOUT THE PROJECT AND ROLE
We are excited to offer a post-doctoral research associate position that is funded for one year commencing in April 2027.
How can we accurately forecast geomagnetic storms days in advance?
Geomagnetic storms are large disturbances in near-Earth space, driven by the Sun. These storms can have severe consequences for critical modern infrastructure, such as power networks, satellites and communications. Infrastructure operators need sufficient warning time to take mitigating actions, such as cancelling scheduled maintenance, bringing spare capacity online, or protecting vulnerable assets. The aim of this project is to build on existing promising initial approaches, coupling computationally efficient numerical models of the solar wind to machine-learning frameworks to produce accurate, useful forecasts at long lead times.
While this post is based at Northumbria University, the wider project (Solar Tsunamis) involves an international consortium, led by Prof. Craig Rodger at the University of Otago, New Zealand. There will be the opportunity to attend consortium meetings with other collaborators, as well as travel to conferences and workshops to engage with the international research community.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Andy Smith at andy.w.smith@northumbria.ac.uk.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Project Lead is Dr Andy Smith of the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics in Northumbria University. The Solar Tsunamis project is an international consortium led by Prof. Craig Rodger at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
At Northumbria University, your work will be undertaken in the Solar and Space Physics research group. Our group researches the fundamental plasma physics of the solar system, including the Sun, the solar wind, and the plasma environments of Earth, other planets and comets. We support a thriving PhD and postdoctoral community with multiple opportunities to develop new skills and expertise. The project will be undertaken in the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST). This £50million state-of-the-art building is a UK-wide space asset, training the next generation of space-related engineers and housing multiple space-related research projects.
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ABOUT YOU
We seek applicants with a background in space plasma physics and machine learning. You will have expertise in data analysis and with numerical modelling. In addition to the expertise you bring to the role, you will be encouraged to explore new methods beyond your current experience and develop your expertise in new techniques in space physics research. We expect applicants to be strongly motivated to work with other researchers on a consortium project.
We recognise that excellent researchers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our field and beyond. We warmly welcome applications from researchers who are under-represented in space physics, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled researchers, and those returning from career breaks. We understand that career paths are rarely linear, and we value the breadth of experience and perspective that different backgrounds bring to research. If you would like to discuss flexible working arrangements, reasonable adjustments, or any other aspect of the role before applying, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr Andy Smith at andy.w.smith@northumbria.ac.uk.
Please see the role description and person specification for more details of the skills, knowledge and experience required and desired for this post.
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.
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With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
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Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
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