The Astrophysical dust group at the ETH Zürich focuses on the science of cosmic dust nearby and inside the solar system. The main methods used are computer simulations for studying the dust dynamics, and in situ measurements by spacecraft that carry a dust detector on board. We collaborate with researchers in Switzerland and abroad, in astronomy, planetary science, meteor observations, and also with scientists performing laboratory experiments for calibration of the cosmic dust instruments.

Interstellar dust moves through the solar system at about 26 km/s due to the relative motion between the solar system and its immediate interstellar surroundings. We can measure these dust particles’ mass, composition and flow direction inside the solar system, but part of these dust particles are “filtered” out of the heliopshere (the bubble of plasma around the Solar System that originates from the solar wind) by electromagnetic forces. We simulate the motion of these dust particles and make predictions for fluxes for future and past missions, and compare these to available data in order to constrain particle and heliosphere characteristics. This way, we contribute to the exploration of our immediate interstellar surroundings, the distant heliosphere, and of the pristine interstellar matter in our cosmic “backyard”.

The goals of the project are to constrain the interstellar dust and (dynamic) heliosphere properties, using in situ data and computer simulations. The candidate will focus on one or more of the following sub-projects: dust data analysis, constructing an empirical toy model of the heliopshere, and using – besides the toy model – the output of an MHD model of the heliosphere to feed into an interstellar dust trajectory simulator. The computation tools will be used to study the effect of the heliosphere’s dynamic environment on the interstellar dust transport (including dust charging), and the model output and spacecraft data analysis will be used for inferring constraints on the dust and the heliosphere characteristics. Predictions of fluxes for future spacecraft missions are also one of the tasks. Finally, the models will be used for other stars with astrospheres or for the solar system in the past.

Skills and knowledge we are looking for are:

• Data analysis (especially working with low statistics)
• Parallel processing (CPU/GPU), numerical modeling/Monte Carlo simulations
• Parameter estimation / Bayesian inference
• Heliosphere / plasma science, cosmic dust science, astrodynamics
• Strong English speaking and writing skills, knowledge of German is an asset
• Visualisation skills are an asset
• Experience in programming languages like Python, IDL and C is a plus

Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Also candidates who do not completely fulfil the mentioned skills sought for, are encouraged to apply. The prefered starting date is August or September 2021, or by agreement.