Research Fellow in Space Weather and Atmospheric Radiation Modelling

The Surrey Space Centre (SSC) is a world-leading hub for space weather and space radiation research. SSC is just beginning a new three-year NERC-funded project on Space Weather Atmospheric Radiation Modelling (SWARM), which will develop a new data-driven atmospheric radiation model (Model for Atmospheric Ionising Radiation Environments) based on an existing prototype to enable the Met Office to nowcast the secondary particle fluxes, biological dose rates and electronic upset/failure rates throughout the atmosphere arising from both galactic cosmic rays and ground level enhancements. Therefore, the SSC is seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to the new atmospheric radiation model development and implementation. Key functions of the role are improving model physics, implementing and testing high-reliability software for the model (including for real time data-driven processes) and developing user interfaces/visualizations.

The successful candidate will join the Space Environment and Protection Group, which carries out wide-ranging research in the field of space weather and its impacts: the group conducts projects with many international bodies including ESA, NASA, Met Office, EU, NERC, SSTL and EDF.

Candidates should have (or soon will have) a relevant PhD or equivalent experience. A broad knowledge in some, but not necessarily all, of the following is required:

• Space weather, radiation environment models and effects
• Radiation transport theory and simulation codes such as Geant4, FLUKA, MCNP
• Programming in languages such as Python, Fortran, Java, C++ 
• Some experience of Linux, GitHub, AWS, Docker

Good written and verbal communication skills are required alongside a team-oriented approach.

For further information, please contact Dr Keith Ryden (k.ryden@surrey.ac.uk).

The job description can be found here.