Hvar Observatory announces an open 6-year PhD position

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 July 2024 07:27 Written by Mateja Dumbovic Saturday, 29 June 2024 11:12

Hvar Observatory announces an open 6-year PhD position (4 years PhD + 2 years PostDoc) under the mentorship of Mateja Dumbović to work in the scope of EU HORIZON EUROPE project SPEARHEAD and other complementary projects (ESA funded project ForbMod).
The topic is related to Forbush decreases, short-term depressions in galactic cosmic ray flux caused by solar storms (see e.g. Dumbovic + 2020). The research will combine analytical modelling with observations from multiple instruments across heliosphere, using both archival data (e.g. neutron monitors, Helios, Ulysses), as well as state of the art data from e.g. Solar Orbiter. The public call is expected to be opened in August. Employment is expected by the end of 2024. For more details see below, or contact Mateja Dumbović ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

MANDATORY CONDITIONS:

1. Completion of an appropriate graduate or integrated study in physics, geophysics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science
2. The overall grade point average at previous study levels (undergraduate, graduate or integrated studies) must be at least 3.50 according to the Croatian grading system, i.e. at least C according to the ECTS grading system
3. Knowledge of English

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA:

1. Knowledge of Python and LaTeX
2. High level of motivation
3. Readiness for teamwork
4. Developed communication skills
5. Past participation in scientific research work, published papers, personal presentations at scientific conferences
6. Previous experience in the field of astroparticle physics, astrophysics, plasma physics, solar and heliosphere physics, geomagnetism and/or space weather
7. Previous recognitions, awards, etc. for excellence in studies and research work
8. Recommendations of former mentors, professors or associates (provide contact)

DESCRIPTION OF JOBS:

• position for 6 years (4 years PhD + 2 years PostDoc) financed by the Croatian Science Foundation
• research on the interaction of solar storms and cosmic rays (Forbush effect) in the scope of the EU HORIZON EUROPE project SPEARHEAD and similar current and future projects (e.g. ESA funded project ForbMod)
• Attending postgraduate doctoral studies in physics at the University of Zagreb under the mentorship of dr.sc. Mateja Dumbović
• Scientific training in the field of physics of the Sun and heliosphere (international collaboration, research stays at other institutions, summer schools, scientific workshops)
• Presentation of research results at international scientific meetings and publication of scientific papers in international journals (three first authorships are expected within the framework of the doctorate and 2 within the framework of the postdoc)
• Optional: popular-scientific involvement (e.g. open days of the observatory), participation in the organization of international scientific meetings, observational work at the Hvar Observatory

Note: Formal applications are to be sent once the public call is open (expected mid August). We will update once the public call is out and provide the link here. E-mails stating the interest may be sent now to Mateja Dumbović ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).