The University of Oulu is an international scientific community with approximately 3.000 employees. The strengths of the University are wide, multidisciplinary interests, a modern research and study environment, and good cooperation with international educational and research institutes.

The Atmospheric Research (ATMOS) Group is part ofthe Nano and Molecular Systems (NANOMO) Research Unit located in the Faculty of Science at Oulu University’s Linnanmaa Campus. ATMOS is a dynamic, collaborative, and highly multidisciplinary research group. We integrate a wide array of experimental and computational approaches to address research questions in atmospheric science and climate change. Current methods include synchrotron radiation excited spectroscopy, nano-particle technology, molecular physics, quantum, bio- and atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). (http://www.oulu.fi/nanomo/atmos).

Description of the position

The ATMOS team has received significant research grants from the European Research Council (ERC) and Academy of Finland to use novel synchrotron radiation based spectroscopy and imaging for atmospheric and climate change research. We are now seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to carry out specific research projects related to these grants, using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for spectral and imaging analysis and modeling.

The main responsibilities will be to develop and apply models using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for quantitative analysis and prediction of synchrotron experiment outputs. The researcher will be part of the AI and Machine Learning team in the ATMOS Group and also work closely together with researchers from the Synchrotron and Aerosol Experiment team. As a part of the ATMOS Group, other duties include supervising scientific research according to the researcher’s own seniority, maintaining and building international collaboration networks of ATMOS, as well as participation in teaching as a part of the curriculum at University of Oulu.

The contract will be made for two (2) years, including a trial period of six (6) months.

Requirements

We expect high motivation, excellent analytical and researcher skills, and ability to achieve the pre-defined goals. As member of an externally funded project team, the researcher is expected to continually write and publish scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals documenting the achievements of the work.

The applicant should hold a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Atmospheric Science or a related field. Knowledge of several programming languages and fundament understanding of physics and chemistry is required. A strong background in ICT and knowledge of spectroscopy, image processing, neural networks, complex systems, machine learning and deep learning, as well as scientific programming languages such as Matlab or Fortran are strong advantages.

Also fluency in written and spoken English, and good communication and team work skills are required. Practical familiarity with supervision, activity in the scientific community, scientific work abroad, and other international activities are additional strong merits.

Salary

The salary of the appointed researchers will be based on the demand level 5-6 chart for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition to the basic salary, an additional salary component (max. 50% of the basic salary level) will be paid based on personal achievements and performance. In addition to the salary, the employed person will be covered by occupational healthcare and insurance. For more information on the salary system of the Finnish universities, please see:
https://www.sivista.fi/esittely/in-english/general-collective-agreement-for-universities/

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by February 27, 2020. Applications sent by email will not be considered. The position is filled as soon as possible.

Please include

• A cover letter describing motivation for this position and earlier research experience (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
• Relevant degree certificates
• Full list of peer-reviewed publications in English
• Full name and e-mail addresses for at least two persons from whom references may be asked (referees will be contacted separately)
• Links to your GitHub and Kaggle profiles if you have those

For further information, please contact Samuli Urpelainen, Senior Researcher, ATMOS Synchrotron and Aerosol Experimental team, samuli.urpelainen (at) oulu.fi

About the City of Oulu

The City of Oulu is Northern Finland’s largest and oldest city, with a population of over 200,000. Located in the Gulf of Bothnia in the Oulu River delta, the city has good access from anywhere. Oulu is a very safe and family friendly community with one of the highest qualities of life in all of Scandinavia. This modern city with a beautiful harbor and market area offers plenty of cultural activities as well as opportunities for exploring the northern nature. Open space and parks can be found all along the Oulu River and throughout the area and they are easily accessed by bike – the favorite mode of transport in Oulu. There is an entire range of outdoor and sports facilities to choose from, not forgetting Finland’s biggest spectator sport, ice hockey. Winter is a season that is highly celebrated and lit bike trails and bridges bring the city alive. As the world’s northernmost tech hub, Oulu has a highly educated and innovative workforce and the University has a strong role in the community. Oulu is a marvelous place to live, work and enjoy a vibrant academic community. Welcome to the home of science with Arctic Attitude!