The University of Oulu is an international science university where we have 15 000 students and 3000 workers. Our university creates innovation for the future, well-being, and knowledge through research and education. Our multidisciplinary combination of a science and technology university provides an excellent basis for influential research.

The Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory is an independent unit of the University of Oulu. Its national task is to make long-term high-level measurements and observations, development of instrumentation and methods, observations of geohazards and space weather situation in 24/7 for geophysics and space physics. The Observatory provides measurements for local, national, and international research purposes and develops different services based on its own data together with other research institutes and companies. The Observatory has an observation unit, research unit, and technical unit.

We are looking two students for part- or full-time Doctoral student positions for a maximum of four years, starting in January 2021 or later upon agreement. The positions are in the framework of a project funded by the Academy of Finland and will start with a 6-month trial period. The positions will lead to a completion of PhD in Space Physics, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Alexander Mishev. The place of work is located at Cosmic rays Unit of SGO in Linnanmaa campus in Oulu. The research will be performed in the frame of the cosmic ray group (http://cosmicrays.oulu.fi/group.html) headed by prof. Ilya Usoskin. The working language is English.

Subject field and description of the position

These positions are under the Project QUASARE (QUAntification of Spectral and Angular characteristics of extreme solar eRuptive Events) funded by the Academy of Finland. The project is focused on a study of major solar energetic particle (SEP) events and related space weather and atmospheric phenomena.

The positions will be filled in the field of space physics, specifically space weather, and include data analysis of ground-based and space-borne instruments, statistical analysis of SEP features, computation of exposure to radiation at flight altitudes and/or atmospheric ionization and other terrestrial effects. Basic knowledge of high-energy and atmospheric physics and/or modelling is requested.  Good programming skills are mandatory (Python, MATLAB), skills in C++, ROOT is a strong advantage.

Required qualifications and assessment

A successful candidate must have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Physics, Mathematics, Geosciences or other related discipline. Ability to pursue independent research, write scientific papers are expected as well as fluency in English. Confirmed experience in one or more of the following disciplines is a strong advantage (space physics, high-energy physics, radiation physics, atmospheric physics, computational physics, scientific data analysis). The selected candidate must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined by the UniOGS http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

We offer an interesting and versatile position in a multi-disciplinary field, combining Space Physics, High-energy physics, Geophysics and Computational Physics. We offer the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced team in a multicultural environment. Furthermore, we offer development opportunities of a big organisation with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services.

Salary

The salary of the selected doctoral students will be set on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration may be given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). The total salary for these levels (before taxation) currently ranges from about 2250 to 3800 Euros/month for full-time employment.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted using the electronic application form by 15.11.2020, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files:

1. Complete CV, containing a list of publications and contact information of at least two professional references;
2. Motivation letter describing prior knowledge and research interests and career plans (max 2 pages).
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas, transcripts of the study records of relevant previous degrees. If the original documents are not in English or Finnish or Swedish, a translation into English or Finnish should be provided.

Short-listed applicants will 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 Assoc. Prof. Alexander Mishev, e-mail: alexander.mishev (at) oulu.fi