Doctoral Researcher in Space Physics, Faculty of Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Doctoral Researcher for “Modeling Ionospheric response to solar wind Driving: particle precipitation, conductAnce and currentS (MIDAS)”, in Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Finland

We are now looking for one full-time

Doctoral researcher

for a maximum of four years, starting at the earliest on 1st of October 2024 to work in a Research Council of Finland project, led by Dr. Lauri Holappa, in collaboration with the other researchers of the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit. The research unit includes strong, closely collaborating Ionospheric Physics and Space Climate research groups. The research unit has also a wide international and national collaboration network.

The recruited doctoral researcher will study how ionospheric electric currents respond to various solar wind drivers. The research will utilize state-of-the-art satellite and ground-based measurements, including the new EISCAT3D radar, as well as numerical magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) models. The doctoral researcher is also expected to participate in international conferences and make 1-2 research visits during doctoral studies. More information on the research unit activities can be found at the web pages: https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-science/space-physics-and-astronomy.

Requirements

The successful candidate must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in Space Physics, Physics, Astronomy or closely related field. Prior experience in programming, e.g., Matlab or Python is considered a merit. The degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). Ability to pursue independent research and excellent writing and fluency in English is expected.

The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. The successful candidate will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in by the UniOGS at https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/graduate-school/admissions.

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of ionospheric physics and space climate.
• University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, support for sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. The Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Salary and key terms

The salary of selected doctoral researchers will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities.  In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). In practice, the starting gross salary is roughly 2400 – 2600 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis.

This is a fixed-term position for a maximum of four years starting earliest on 1st of October, 2024. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online system by August 30, 2024, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):

1. Complete CV containing contact information of at least two referees and a list of journal and conference publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
2. Motivation letter describing prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.

Applications sent by email will not be considered. The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile of the position may be invited to an interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

For further information

Dr. Lauri Holappa, e-mail: lauri.holappa@oulu.fi

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern 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. Living in Oulu is easy – everything is only max. 20 minutes away! Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu