Research Associate in space plasma physics

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institution in London is seeking a Research Associate in space plasma physics. The role involves analyzing data from Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe missions to study solar magnetic fields and solar wind structures. Candidates should have experience with spacecraft data and a solid understanding of solar phenomena. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for collaboration within an active research group.

Benefits

Sector-leading salary

38 days off annually

Active research group participation

Opportunity to work with pre-release data

Qualifications

• Experience working with spacecraft data in the solar wind, especially magnetic field and plasma instruments.
• Good understanding of solar wind phenomena.
• Proven track record of collaboration and publishing.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe missions.
• Study the global evolution of the Sun’s magnetic field and solar wind structure.
• Investigate 3D solar wind structure and its effect on space weather.

Skills

Working with spacecraft data

Understanding solar wind phenomena

Collaboration and publishing experience

Job description

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Research Associate in space plasma physics, London

Client:

Imperial College London

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

c2d84a6fe0e0

Job Views:

13

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

Job Description:

As a research associate in space plasma physics in the Physics Department, you will work on data from the Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe missions, studying the global evolution of the Sun’s magnetic field and large-scale structure of the solar wind through the solar cycle. You will also analyze data from IMAP and other spacecraft at L1 to investigate the 3D structure of the solar wind and its effect on space weather at Earth.

You will analyze spacecraft data, including measurements from magnetic field instruments on Solar Orbiter and IMAP built at Imperial. The focus is on using Solar Orbiter's out-of-ecliptic orbit to characterize the global structure of the heliospheric magnetic field and link this to the Sun’s internal field evolution from solar maximum to minimum. Using data from Parker Solar Probe, you will study the evolution of flows from solar regions. With IMAP's launch in 2025, there is an opportunity to work with multi-point data at L1 to determine the 3D field structure, building on previous work with Cluster and MMS data. This research has applications in space weather forecasting and plasma dynamics studies.

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience working with spacecraft data in the solar wind, especially magnetic field and plasma instruments
• Good understanding of solar wind phenomena
• Proven track record of collaboration and publishing

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Sun-solar wind connections and/or multi-point data analysis methods

Additional Opportunities:

• Join an active research group with doctoral students, postdocs, and academics in space plasma physics
• Work with pre-release data from missions like Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and IMAP
• Interact with engineering teams developing instruments for current and future missions
• Advance your career at a leading institution
• Enjoy a sector-leading salary and 38 days off annually