The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

Project researcher / postdoctoral researcher fixed-term position in space physics for the period 1.3.2020–28.2.2022

Space Research Laboratory of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, is a research group of about 20 people, working in solar and near-Earth space physics with a special emphasis on high-energy phenomena in space plasmas. The laboratory is a part of Finnish Centre of Excellence in Research of Sustainable Space (FORESAIL), concentrating on investigations of space radiation and how to tackle with its effects on small-spacecraft missions in a cost-effective way.

We call for applications to a position of a project researcher / postdoctoral researcher in an EU-funded research project (EUHFORIA 2.0) related to space weather modeling. The European project team will develop new simulation tools for predicting solar storms, which pose a threat to spacecraft and humans in orbit around the Earth. The project team in the University of Turku has the main responsibility for modeling of charged particle radiation during solar storms, utilizing numerical models of particle acceleration and transport in the solar corona and interplanetary medium.

The requirement for the candidates is a master’s or doctoral degree in the following physical sciences: physics, theoretical physics, astronomy or geophysics. Strong programming skills and prior broad knowledge of space physics, solar physics and/or astrophysics are strong assets. Demonstrated ability to work in research projects under tight schedule is highly valued, as well. A person not holding a PhD degree is expected to apply for admission in the Doctoral Programme in Physical and Chemical Sciences in March 2020 to start the pursuit of a doctoral degree with a research plan drafted in collaboration with the supervisors of the project. The nomination is for two years with a possibility of an extension of up to two years. The starting date of the position is 1 March 2020 or based on agreement.

The qualification requirements of the positions are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure. A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. The doctoral degree must be completed by the end of the application period. A person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. The degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

There is a trial period of six months.

The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Researcher is based on the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a Postdoctoral Researcher, the salary is at levels 4-6 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2033,29-3423,25 euro per month. For a Project Researcher, the salary is at levels 2-4 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2033,29-2535,20 euro per month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal performance component is a 6% – 50% of the task-specific base salary.

All candidates must enclose in their application a CV, a list of publications, and a cover letter stating the names of two referees who can be contacted for letters of recommendation. Applicants holding a doctoral degree have to enclose a copy of their doctoral degree certificate. Applicants holding a master’s degree have to enclose a copy of their degree certificate and a transcript of their study record.

Applications must be submitted by 1st of November, 2019 (23:59), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address:https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job).

Further information: Prof. Rami Vainio, rami.vainio@utu.fi