Two Doctoral Researchers and one Postdoctoral Researcher in Kvantum Institute Spearhead project “Polar upper atmosphere and space environment studied with the EISCAT3D radar and other cutting-edge instruments (POLAR)”, at Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, Faculty of Science

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

 We are now looking for

two Doctoral Researchers and one Postdoctoral Researcher

to work in the Ionospheric Physics research group within the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit at University of Oulu, Finland, in the field of Space Physics. The Ionospheric Physics research group studies the effects of solar storms and space weather on the ionosphere-thermosphere system. We utilize a comprehensive set of measurements from ground-based instruments and satellites in our research. One of the most important instruments in our research is the current EISCAT radar facility and the forthcoming new EISCAT3D radar. The research group consists of one professor, three senior researchers, three postdoctoral researchers and several doctoral researchers, and has a wide international network of collaborators.

About the job

The Doctoral researchers and the Postdoctoral researcher positions are open in the Kvantum Institute Spearhead project “Polar upper atmosphere and space environment studied with the EISCAT3D radar and other cutting-edge instruments (POLAR)”. The project studies the effects of solar storms on the ionosphere-thermosphere system and the resulting phenomena such as Joule heating, atmospheric expansion and precipitating auroral particles producing Northern lights. The results of the project will help to predict and mitigate the effects of space weather and solar storms on our society and its technological systems. The project PI is Prof. Anita Aikio, and co-PIs are Dr. Heikki Vanhamäki and Dr. Ilkka Virtanen.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will develop new analysis tools for the EISCAT3D radar plasma parameter measurements and Fabry-Perot spectrometer thermospheric wind measurements, and will use those to study regional Joule heating and its effects on the high-latitude ionosphere-thermosphere during space weather events.

The Doctoral Students will work with topics related to auroral particle precipitation, auroral electrodynamics, and ionosphere-thermosphere coupling during solar storms and space weather events by using measurements from e.g., the EISCAT/3D incoherent scatter radars, optical instruments, magnetometers, ESA’s Swarm satellites, as well as modelling.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral Researcher position:

• A completed PhD or equivalent degree in Space Physics, Physics or a closely related field (no more than 10 years old)
• The position requires previous experience in experimental and/or modelling studies of the ionosphere-thermosphere system, demonstrated by the publication record.
• Good programming skills with Python or Matlab are essential.
• Familiarity with auroral electrodynamics and incoherent scatter radar data analysis are considered an advantage.

Doctoral Student positions:

• Master of Science degree in Space Physics, Physics, or a closely related field is required with very good or excellent grades.
• Experience in programming and earlier studies in Space Physics are an advantage.
• The position requires spoken and written fluency in English language.
• For further requirements, see the guideline in University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

What we offer

• You will become a part of an international research group with wide collaboration networks and an open and encouraging working atmosphere.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary and duration of the positions

The Postdoctoral researcher position is fixed term for 4 years starting 1st of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on level 5 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting salary will be roughly 3700 € per month (before taxes) depending on the appointee’s qualifications and performance. The annual holiday is 4-5 weeks and includes a monetary holiday bonus. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

The Doctoral researcher positions are fixed term for 3 years starting on 1st of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be initially set on demand level 2, and later on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). In practice, the starting salary is roughly 2600 € (before taxes) per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis. The annual holiday is 4-5 weeks and includes a monetary holiday bonus. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application through the online system by November 17, 2024, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as separate PDF files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):

1. Cover letter describing which of the two positions you are applying, explanation for your motivation for the position, prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
2. Complete CV which also includes a list of journal and conference publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (PhD, MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
4. Contact information of two persons ready to provide recommendations.

Applications sent by email will not be considered. The usage of AI systems in writing the application is not forbidden but will be considered as a negative point. The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile of the position may be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact 

Professor Anita Aikio
Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit 

anita.aikio@oulu.fi