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Postdoctoral Researcher, Stellar Astrophysics

Published date more than one year ago
Posted: more than one year ago
Company University of Helsinki
Company: University of Helsinki
End date Oct. 31, 2020
Due date: Oct. 31, 2020
Location Helsinki
Location: Helsinki

Measured in number of students and teachers, the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki is the largest science faculty in Finland. There are some 6,000 students taking a basic degree. Out of them, some 1,000 are postgraduates. There are some 500 international students, and over 200 researchers and teachers from abroad.

The Department of Physics is a large and multidisciplinary department that offers the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. The department employs about 200 people. The research at the department and the research-based teaching follow a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society. The research and teaching subjects of the department comprise physics, theoretical physics, and astronomy.

The Faculty of Science invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

in stellar astrophysics starting earliest from January 2021 for a fixed-term 2-year employment in the Academy of Finland funded research project “Space storms: Solar and stellar variability, seasonal pattern predictability and societal consequences” (SOLSTICE). The employment can be extended by a maximum of one year until the end of 2023.

The postdoctoral researcher will be working in the stellar astrophysics group at the Department of Physics and in close cooperation with researchers at the Sodankylä Observatory, Aalto University and the SOLSTAR-project at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research. A modest amount of teaching (equivalent to one course per year) is expected of the researcher.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with photometric (ground-based and satellite), spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric observations of solar-type stars. The aim is to connect different manifestations (spots, flares, coronal mass ejections etc.) of stellar magnetic activity, and study their relations to possible magnetic activity cycles. Through studies of solar-type stars, an ultimate aim is to increase our understanding of the Sun’s magnetic activity. The main tools involve Doppler imaging, Zeeman-Doppler imaging and time-series analysis methods.

Successful candidates are required to have:

- a doctoral degree in astronomy or other related disciplines;
- experience in analysing astronomical data;
- programming skills;
- proficiency in spoken and written English;

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. The University of Helsinki is a top 100 ranked university in most ranking lists and the Department of Physics is one of its scientifically best performing units. https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/physics

The working language is English. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be approx. 3300–3700 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university).

How to apply?

Please submit your application consisting of a cover letter, a statement (max. 3 pages) of research interests, a Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages) and a publications list in a one single pdf-file using the electronic recruitment system of the University of Helsinki via the link “Apply for the position”. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki should submit their application via the SAP HR portal.

The applicant should also arrange for three recommendation letters to be sent to Dr. Thomas Hackman by the application deadline.The dead line for applications is 31 October, 2020.
Prior informal enquiries via email are most welcome, please contact Dr. Thomas Hackman, thomas.hackman(at)helsinki.fi.