The Space Physics Group at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a fully funded 4 year PhD position in solar and heliophysics. The position is part of the newly funded Research Council of Finland project Redefining Inner Boundaries in Solar Wind Models (RIB-Wind), led by Dr. Stephan G. Heinemann. The preferred start date is October 2025, but later dates are negotiable.
Modeling the origin and acceleration of the solar wind remains a central challenge in heliophysics, with major implications for both fundamental plasma physics and space weather forecasting. The RIB-Wind project aims to overcome key limitations in current heliospheric models, which typically rely on empirical assumptions to define inner boundary conditions (around 0.1 au from the Sun). By combining high-resolution remote sensing data (especially EUV spectral imaging) with advanced simulations, RIB-Wind seeks to more accurately characterize the solar wind near its source—redefining how inner boundaries are set and significantly improving global solar wind models and forecast capabilities.
The selected candidate will contribute to several aspects of the project, including the analysis of EUV observations (both on-disk and off-limb) and in-situ measurements, modeling of coronal magnetic fields to map magnetic connectivity, and running and interpreting one- to three-dimensional solar wind simulations to define new inner boundary conditions for global heliospheric models.
Applications will be reviewed starting 25 August 2025 and will remain open until the position is filled. However, the absolute deadline for submission is 5 September 2025. More information on the position web page.