Job Description

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of extension.


This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location

- This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

The Space Physics Group at the University of Alberta has a long history of studies of space weather and the solar terrestrial connection, including partnerships with a number of national and international space missions including from the Canadian Space Agency, ESA and NASA. The Group is also the PI institute of the Canadian Array of Real-Time Investigations of Magnetic Activity (www.carisma.ca), as well as for the RADiation Impacts on Climate and Atmospheric Loss Satellite (RADICALS) small satellite mission, which is currently in development.


This PDF is part of a project researching the effects of space weather on the electric power grid in Alberta, Canada, and jointly funded by an NSERC Alliance Advantage grant and industry partners including AltaLink Management Ltd and ATCO Electric. In-kind contributions are also provided by the Alberta Electric System Operator.


The positions will contribute to the study of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) on the Alberta power network during space weather events (e.g. geomagnetic storms). We are seeking collaborative and motivated candidates with physics or geophysics backgrounds with an interest in space weather, geomagnetic induction, power network modelling, risk analysis, and extreme event analysis. This exciting project has real-world implications for Alberta and will include opportunities for involvement with industry partners (AltaLink, ATCO, and the AESO). Applicants with relevant expertise in electrical engineering may also be considered.


Specific sub-projects and potential research projects include:


1. Development, expansion, and utilization of a power network model for Alberta's >138 kV power network to model near-real-time GICs. The project also benefits from access to GIC measurements on the Alberta electric power grid from industry partners, providing a rare opportunity for model validation in the context of overall GIC space weather risk assessments.


2. Analysis of various solar wind drivers of GIC, including the geomagnetic response in the coupled solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system and the connection of various space weather drivers to the generation of large GIC in the Alberta electric power grid.


3. Development of an Alberta geoelectric field hazard map based on 3-D ground conductivity and magnetic field data from CARISMA.


4. Assess historical network information and geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) event correspondence to analyze GIC risk, specifically within the context of meso-scale GMDs at high latitude.


Successful candidates will also have the opportunity to participate in field work relating to the CARISMA network, and/or fieldwork involving the testing and deployment of differential magnetometer measurements (DMM), a remote GIC measurement technique, and magnetotelluric (MT) surveys to collect additional MT data to increase coverage of 3-D impedance in Northern Alberta.




The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.Conduct original research independently and collaboratively. Collaborate with coworkers and industry/academic partners to achieve project goals and objectives, and contribute to project reports. Present research findings at scientific conferences and seminars. Prepare and present research findings in peer-reviewed journals. Assist in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, providing support and guidance in their research activities. Support general scientific communications targeting the media, university community and general public. Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Space Physics, Geophysics or a related field Familiarity with data analysis, numerical modelling and scientific programming, such as MATLAB, Python, etc. Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment Previous research experience applied to the study of geomagnetically induced currents would be an advantage Capability to complete research at an advanced level as demonstrated by refereed publications.

Application Instructions

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Cover Letter (Cover letter should outline the candidate's previous research experience and interest in the advertised position) Curriculum Vitae (instead of resume) List of Publications Contact information for three references

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.