Postdoctoral Research Associate

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumbria University invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate position funded for one year starting April 2027. The project aims to forecast geomagnetic storms days in advance by coupling solar wind models with machine-learning frameworks, enabling long lead-time predictions.

Based at Northumbria University, the role involves collaboration within an international consortium and opportunities to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops to engage with the global research

Qualifications

• Background in space plasma physics and machine learning.
• Experience in data analysis and numerical modelling.
• Willingness to explore new techniques in space physics research.
• Strong motivation to collaborate on a consortium project.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to forecasting geomagnetic storms days in advance using solar wind and ML models.
• Collaborate with an international consortium and attend meetings.
• Travel to conferences and workshops to engage with the international research community.

Skills

Space plasma physics

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

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 [e-mail].

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Project Lead is of the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics in Northumbria University. The project is an international consortia led by Prof. Craig Rodger at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

At Northumbria University, your work will be undertaken in the 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 . 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 .

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.

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's in 2022 and in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more .

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 .

Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

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 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.