The North changes the world – more sustainable, more intelligent, more humane. We at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

Kvantum Institute is one of the four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities and doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas Sustainable materials and systems and Changing climate and northern environment. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as co-operation between groups and national and international partners.

We are now looking for

one Postdoctoral Researcher and two Doctoral Students

related to research on the high-latitude ionosphere-thermosphere coupling during geomagnetic storms and substorms, produced by solar wind high-speed streams or coronal mass ejections from the Sun.

Description of the positions

The Postdoctoral Researcher will carry out experimental data analysis and also take part in running global simulations for the events.  Data to be used come from the EISCAT incoherent scatter radars, magnetometer networks (IMAGE and SuperMAG), ESA’s Swarm satellites, AMPERE satellites, optical measurements, etc. Towards the end of the project, we expect the EISCAT_3D radar to be operational, too.

One Doctoral Student will work in close collaboration with the postdoctoral researcher with the storm studies and ionosphere-thermosphere coupling.

One Doctoral Student position is for substorm studies by using the EISCAT radar, Swarm satellite, and optical auroral data with a focus on plasma flow changes and auroral electrodynamics.

Description of the research group

• The Ionospheric Physics research group consists of one professor, several senior researchers and doctoral students, and the group is a part of the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit (https://www.oulu.fi/spacephysics-astronomy/). Main external funding comes from EU, ESA and Academy of Finland projects. The group carries out ionospheric research by using data provided by ground-based and satellite instruments. We are very excited to be able to use the unique EISCAT_3D radar data starting from the end of 2022. The state-of-the-art analysis techniques developed within our group are available for the new members of the group. We have wide international and national collaboration networks, including the University’s independent department Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory. The research unit is committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral Researcher position: PhD degree in Space Physics or related field is required. The PhD degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago. Earlier experience in experimental and/or modeling studies of the coupled geospace environment (ionosphere/thermosphere/magnetosphere) is expected, as demonstrated by the international publication record. Ability to carry out international research collaboration is an important part of the job. Mobility visits to our international collaborators are planned.

Doctoral Student positions: Master of Science degree in Physics, Space Physics, or a closely related field is required. Experience in programming and earlier studies in Space Physics are an advantage. The position requires spoken and written fluency in English language. The selected candidate will carry out her/his doctoral studies within the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in: http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

What we offer

• You will become a part of an international research group with wide collaboration networks and an open and encouraging working atmosphere.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as occupational healthcare and affordable sport services
• 4-year position, beginning on January 1, 2021 (or as soon as possible thereafter). There is a possibility to fill in the postdoctoral position for two years upon agreement.
• A salary in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system (for teaching and research personnel): A Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on demand level 5 – 6 and a Doctoral Student level 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is approx. 3400€ per month (before taxes) and for a Doctoral Student approx. 2350€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of six months will be applied.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by November 1st, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 1 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)     List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/

4)     A research plan, max.2 pages (Postdoctoral Researcher position only)

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate (Postdoctoral Researcher position) or of the original Master's degree certificate (Doctoral Student position) and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

6)     Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through portal will be considered.
Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Further information

Head of the research unit, Professor Anita Aikio, anita.aikio@oulu.fi

City of Oulu

The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Scandinavia and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu