The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland (http://www.oulu.fi/university).  We are an international science community working in close cooperation with research institutes, companies, and the public sector. Together we form a globally significant research hub, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of known for a more sustainable and intelligent future.

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher for the Space Climate research group within the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit of the University of Oulu. Space Climate research group is internationally one of the originators and the leading research groups of the field. It recently coordinated the national Centre of Excellence ReSoLVE (www.spaceclimate.fi/resolve) funded by the Academy of Finland. The lively Space Climate group (https://www.oulu.fi/spaceclimate/) consists of about 20 people (two professors, a few senior researchers, several post-doctoral researchers and graduate students as well as many assistant students working on their B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees). The group is very international having members from several nationalities from different parts of the globe. We have an open, encouraging and relaxed working environment and an excellent track record of completed PhD degrees within the past 5 years.

Subject field and description of the position

The post-doctoral position now opened is a part of the PROSPECT (PRediction Of SPace climate and its Effects on ClimaTe) project funded by the Academy of Finland. PROSPECT is a highly multidisciplinary project spanning solar and heliospheric, magnetospheric and atmospheric physics as well as climate science. The project aims to develop new methods of predicting long-term variation of solar-terrestrial environment and the effects of solar activity and solar wind driven energetic particle precipitation on Earth’s weather and climate variations.

The post-doctoral position involves studying the prospects of using the space climate predictions to improve long-term predictions of weather/climate variations in seasonal and decadal timescales. The research will mainly involve statistical modelling and analysis of climate and space-based data.

The position also involves collaboration with and supervision of B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD students.

We offer an interesting and versatile position in a novel, multi-disciplinary project combining solar-terrestrial science with atmospheric/climate science, as well as the possibility to develop professionally in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. Furthermore, the University of Oulu offers the working benefits typical of a large organization with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services.

The position will be filled for two years starting on 1 April 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Required qualifications and assessment

A successful applicant must have completed a PhD in climate science, atmospheric physics, space physics, solar-terrestrial research, statistics or other related discipline. The applicant must demonstrate the capability to pursue independent research and write scientific papers with a good scientific profile and publication record.

Experience in statistical analysis of climate data and/or climate modelling is considered a strong advantage. Experience in programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, C etc.) and scientific data analysis is also required. Especially experience in Matlab is considered an advantage. Fluent English, good communication and teamwork skills are also required. Furthermore, a demonstrated potential in acquiring external funding grants and teaching experience will be considered as a merit.

Salary

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 on the demand level chart of the university teaching and research staff applied by Finnish universities. In addition a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Thus, in practice the salary will be roughly between 3000-4000 € per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted using the electronic application form by March 15, 2020, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files:

1. Curriculum vitae, compiled in accordance with the instructions of the Finnish Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae) (maximum 4 pages) and contact information of at least two professional references;
2. List of publications classified according to the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/).
3. Motivation letter describing prior knowledge and research interests and career plans (max 2 pages).
4. PhD certificate: Scanned electronic copy of the PhD degree certificate. If the original documents are not in English or Finnish or Swedish, a translation into English or Finnish should be provided.

Short-listed applicants may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further details are available from Dr. Timo Asikainen, e-mail: timo.asikainen(at)oulu.fi