M/F - Ph.D. Candidate - Self-consistent simulations of high-energy events in thunderstorms and their associated radiation risk

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This PhD project aims to advance the understanding of high-energy phenomena in thunderstorms gamma-ray glows (GRGs), flickering gamma flashes (FGFs), and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) and their impact on the driving electric fields at the source. The objectives are to:
(1) simulate these events self-consistently, including their feedback on the driving electric field;
(2) model their radio emissions;
(3) quantify the radiation doses received by aircrews and passengers in proximity to such events; and
(4) assess the associated risk for global air traffic.

The methodology combines the improvement and development of Particle-In-Cell (PIC) and fluid codes to simulate particle transport under electric and magnetic fields complemented by theoretical work to refine models. The results will be used to calculate radiation doses and evaluate global risk using TGF-detecting satellite catalogues and recent airborne campaign data.

Your Work Environment

This project is part of the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network GRAIL “Gamma Radiation from the Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning” https://www.grail.physik.tu-dortmund.de

Mobility Rule: Doctoral candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule to be eligible for recruitment within a Doctoral Network. This means that, at the date of recruitment, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organization for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before the recruitment start date.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie PhDs are paid a very competitive gross salary of ~3,100 €/month, a Mobility Allowance of ~400 €/month and, for researchers who have a family, a Family Allowance of ~300 €/month (calculated for France). All amounts are subject to deductions and taxes. Family is defined as persons linked to the researcher by (a) marriage, or (b) a relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognized by the national legislation of the country of the beneficiary or of nationality of the researcher, or (c) dependent children who are actually being maintained by the researcher.

The position is hosted at the Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Environment and Space (LPC2E), located on the CNRS campus in Orléans, France. LPC2E is a joint research unit supervised by CNRS, the University of Orléans, and the French space agency CNES.

The laboratory comprises three scientific teams, including one dedicated to Sun–Earth relations and space plasmas in which the position for the present offer will take place. LPC2E is responsible for several instrumental projects dedicated to the detection of accelerated particles in thunderclouds, as well as theoretical and numerical projects in this field. The successful applicant will have access to cutting-edge research training and infrastructures (including High-Performance Computing resources).

Orléans is a medium-sized city on the banks of the Loire River, just one hour by train from Paris. It offers a high quality of life, with significantly lower living costs compared to the capital city. The CNRS campus in Orléans provides researchers with a stimulating environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3000 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions