PhD Position in Space Weather: Modelling Particle Acceleration in Solar Storms

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Department of Mathematics Research Field Astronomy » Astrophysics Mathematics » Applied mathematics Physics » Computational physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 13 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The selected candidate will join the research group of Prof. Nicolas Wijsen and pursue a four-year PhD in space physics. The project focuses on the numerical modelling of solar energetic particles (SEPs) produced during large-scale solar eruptions, with the broader goal of improving physics-based space weather forecasting.

The Sun regularly ejects massive clouds of plasma into space, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). When these eruptions drive shock waves, they can accelerate particles to extremely high energies. These SEPs are not only of major scientific interest, but also pose risks to satellites, astronauts, and technological infrastructure on and around Earth.

This PhD project is part of a broader multi-scale effort to better understand how energetic particles are accelerated at CME‑driven shocks and how they subsequently propagate through the heliosphere. In particular, the candidate will use advanced numerical models, including MHD and kinetic approaches, to study CME evolution and SEP transport in realistic solar and heliospheric conditions, and to compare these results with spacecraft observations.

The project will make use of observations from missions such as Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, and combines fundamental plasma physics with practical applications in space weather forecasting. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to high‑performance computing facilities and strong in‑house expertise in numerical plasma modelling, and will have opportunities for collaboration with national and international partners.

• You hold a master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related field, or you will obtain such a degree by the end of the current academic year.
• You have a strong interest in computational physics, space physics, or solar physics.
• Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required.
• Experience with programming (for example in Python or C++) and numerical simulations is an asset.
• You obtained at least distinction‑level results during your studies.
• You are able to work independently while also functioning well as part of a team.
• You are willing to contribute to teaching by supervising practice sessions in physics and/or mathematics within the bachelor’s programmes in Sciences and Engineering Sciences at KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk.

The successful candidate must register with, and comply with the regulations of, KU Leuven’s Arenberg Doctoral School before final admission. A good command of English is required for admission to the doctoral programme. The selected candidate will follow a doctoral training programme that includes personal development in areas such as management, science communication, and teaching. As part of the doctoral requirements, the candidate will take on a teaching assignment averaging 4 hours per week in one of the bachelor’s programmes.

The selected PhD candidate will be appointed on a 1-year bursary contract, renewable annually for up to 4 years following a positive evaluation. The bursary is tax‑free and equivalent to the net salary of a doctoral research assistant in Belgium, in accordance with KU Leuven’s standard regulations. The exact amount will be determined upon appointment. KU Leuven offers an attractive package of salary and non‑salary benefits, including a holiday bonus, end‑of‑year bonus, holiday allowance, free hospitalisation insurance, free public transport for commuting, a bicycle allowance, a staff discount scheme, and access to sports and cultural facilities at reduced rates.

The preferred start date is September or October 2026.

Applications must be submitted via the KU Leuven application portal and should include: