PhD thesis (f/m/x) - Reaction of the upper atmosphere to variations in solar EUV radiation

Overview

PhD thesis (f/m/x) - Reaction of the upper atmosphere to variations in solar EUV radiation at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

What to expect

The Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics focuses on the properties and interactions of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system and how it is driven by energy inputs from the sun and the underlying atmosphere. The Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics at the Neustrelitz site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania focuses on research into space weather. The term space weather refers to the time-varying conditions on the sun and in the solar wind and their effect on the ITM system.

As part of the doctoral research advertised here, the reaction of the upper atmosphere (thermosphere and ionosphere) to variations in solar extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV) will be investigated and reproduced using extensive simulations. For this purpose, new measurement data (e.g., from various NASA satellite missions) will be used. Analyses will be applied to a wide range of ionospheric and thermospheric parameters (e.g., electron density profiles and wind speeds) so that a global and high-resolution characterization of the relevant processes can be achieved. In this context, you will also have the opportunity to conduct analyses and modeling in cooperation with the University of Leipzig – Institute of Meteorology (LIM). The collaboration between LIM and DLR in this thematic area over several years provides you with the necessary support and expertise for a rapid start to the planned research.

Your tasks

• Literature review on the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between ionospheric variations and solar EUV radiation
• Comparison of different satellite measurement data of solar EUV radiation
• Analysis of a variety of relevant ionospheric and thermospheric parameters using observational data (electron density profiles, O2 profiles, O/N2 ratio, temperature, wind speeds) and models (e.g., TIE-GCM)
• Three-dimensional characterization of the ionospheric response
• Extension of existing empirical models of the ionosphere

Your profile

• Completed scientific university degree (Master's degree / university diploma) in natural sciences (e.g. Physics, Geophysics, Meteorology, Mathematics) or engineering (e.g. Geoinformatics) or other degree programmes relevant to the job
• Knowledge of the physics of the upper atmosphere
• Experience in analyzing measurement data and applying data science methods to large datasets (preferably with Python)
• Experience in the application of statistical methods
• Good self-organization and a high degree of initiative in tackling complex technical and scientific problems
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2912) please contact:

Erik Schmölter
Tel.:

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Education and Training

Industries

• Research Services