Two PhD positions in Solar Physics
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 16/01/26
The Centre for Mathematical Plasma Astrophysics (CmPA) is a research group within the Department of Mathematics at KU Leuven, comprising five professors and approximately 60 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. CmPA specialises in numerical modelling of astrophysical plasmas, with a strong focus on the solar corona, the solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and black-hole accretion discs. The CmPA maintains an extensive international network and contributes to numerous large-scale international research collaborations.
Project
We are seeking two PhD candidates to work on the following projects:
Project 1
Supervisors: Tom Van Doorsselaere and Fabio Bacchini
Title: Radiative losses in particle-in-cell simulations of the solar corona
The solar corona is an extremely hot, low-density plasma, with temperatures exceeding one million kelvin. Collisions between electrons and ions give rise to several radiative emission processes, which transport energy away from the plasma and contribute to its cooling. Among these, spectral line emission accounts for the majority of the observed radiation. This process occurs when electrons excite ions, which subsequently emit photons as they relax to lower energy states.
In this project, we aim to incorporate spectral line radiation into particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of the solar corona. PIC simulations model plasma behaviour on kinetic scales by representing the plasma as an ensemble of individual charged particles, enabling particle–field interactions to evolve self-consistently. The next stage of the project will investigate how radiative losses influence plasma dynamics during energy-release processes, including turbulence and magnetic reconnection.
Project 2
Supervisor: Tom Van Doorsselaere
Title: New waveframe variables for analysing wave energy transport in solar plasma simulations
The solar corona is significantly hotter than the solar surface — a longstanding and unresolved phenomenon known as the coronal heating problem. Increasing evidence indicates that the extreme coronal temperatures are sustained by the dissipation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves, including Alfvén and kink waves. MHD simulations are widely used to model the propagation and energy transport of these waves in the solar corona.
The project supervisor has recently developed the Q-variables, a new formalism that decomposes wave modes into forward- and backward-propagating components, allowing analysis of wave propagation, reflection, and energy transport. In this project, Q-variables will be used to derive analytical expressions for kink-wave reflection and interaction terms, and to investigate coupling mechanisms between kink waves and other MHD wave modes. The analytical results will be validated using numerical simulations of kink-wave reflection and wave–wave interactions. Finally, the derived expressions will be applied to improve existing MHD models of the solar corona.
As a PhD candidate, you will:
a) Communicate research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference contributions
b) Complete the doctoral programme at the Arenberg Doctoral School, including professional training in management, science communication, and teaching
c) Take part in international conferences, workshops, and research visits
d) Teach exercise classes in mathematics
e) Assist in the supervision of bachelor's projects
Profile
1. You will hold a master's degree in physics, mathematics, astrophysics, or an equivalent qualification with a strong mathematical component by the time the PhD project begins.
2. You can demonstrate excellent academic performance.
3. You have a strong interest in solar physics.
4. You have a solid background in computational modelling and programming.
5. You are curious, highly motivated, and possess strong analytical skills.
6. You have a good command of English and strong communication skills, both written and oral.
Offer
1. We offer two PhD scholarships within CmPA in the Department of Mathematics. The scientific objectives are flexible and can be tailored to the candidate's research interests. Both positions are expected to start in September 2026.
2. The scholarships cover a total period of four years, with renewal for three additional years following a positive evaluation after the first year.
3. A supportive and collaborative research team with access to state-of-the-art simulation methods.
4. An open, dynamic, and international working environment that encourages creativity, self-development, and critical thinking.
5. Opportunities to build a broad national and international research network and to develop new professional competences through training, courses, and workshops.
Interested?
Submit your application before 28 February 2026, including:
(i) A cover letter, clearly stating which PhD position(s) you are applying for in the first sentence, and outlining your skills, research experience, motivation, and interest;
(ii) A curriculum vitae, including the names and email addresses of two reference persons on the final page;
(iii) A transcript of grades for all university courses taken at bachelor's and master's level (final-year master's students should provide all grades obtained to date).
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in March 2026.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Tom Van Doorsselaere (Tel.:, email: ) or Prof. Dr Fabio Bacchini (email: ).
You can apply for this job no later than March 02, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar
av_timer
Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
location_city
Locatie: Leuven
timer
Solliciteren tot en met:
02/03/2026 23:59 CET
bookmarks
Tags: Wiskunde, Natuurkunde en Sterrenkunde, Wetenschappen