PhD Scholarship in ground magnetometer development (Denmark)

DTU Space would like to invite applications for a 3-year PhD position starting in April 2014 on a project to develop a new type of ground station magnetometer. The funding is shared between the Danish Council for Independent Research and the Technical University of Denmark.

Responsibilities and tasks
The Earth’s magnetic field is monitored and surveyed for science and commercial applications. Different magnetometers exist to measure the vector (3 components) or the scalar (strength) of the geomagnetic field.  Denmark is well known for leading expertise in this subject. Currently, several groups worldwide are trying to develop automatic vector-magnetometers with high accuracy.

The idea behind this Ph.D. project is to develop, test and employ an automatic 2-component magnetometer that will be simpler in its design than current attempts to build automatic 3-component magnetometers of comparable accuracy. A scalar proton precession magnetometer is to be developed and combined with bias coils for measuring vector components. The sensor and the bias coil design as well as the raw data analysis algorithms shall mainly be developed and implemented by the PhD-student. This part will involve modelling and experimental work on subsystems and prototypes. The necessary magnetometer electronics will primarily be developed by engineers employed in the project. The specifications for the new instrument will be defined by the requirements for modern geomagnetic observatories, including long term stability and low temperature dependency, reliability and low power consumption.

In the second part of the project, the PhD student will demonstrate by empirical and theoretical studies that measuring 2 instead of 3 geomagnetic field components provides the information necessary for successful global geomagnetic modelling and geomagnetic induction studies. This part will be performed on existing data in close cooperation with experts in this field.

Qualifications
Candidates should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent. We are looking for a person with a background in engineering, geophysics or physics.

• Focus on both electrical engineering and physics
• Good knowledge of physics and programming skills, preferably in Matlab
• Good analytical skills, interest to work both independently and as part of a strong team
• Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written
• The candidate is expected to be very motivated and to publish internationally and peer reviewed

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by senior scientist Jürgen Matzka.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

The starting salary (for a newly graduated MSc) is approximately DKK 29.000 gross (including approximately DKK 3.500 for pension contribution) or US$ 5,300, per month.

The study will be based at the DTU-Space facilities on the DTU Campus in Lyngby, approximately 15 km north of central Copenhagen.

Further information
Further information concerning the project can be obtained from senior scientist Jürgen Matzka, +45 4525 9706.

For further details concerning DTU Space, please see http://www.space.dtu.dk/English.aspx

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 February 2013.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link « Apply online, » fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 9,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.

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To apply:

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