Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for one Post Doctoral Researcher (4-year, full-time position)

and one Doctoral Researcher (3-year, full-time position)

to join us at the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory. 

Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO) 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, and observations of geohazards and space weather situations 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 operates two ionospheric radars and plays an active role in the scientific and technical research related to the EISCAT incoherent scatter radar system. Altogether SGO runs measurements in 19 different locations from southern Finland to Svalbard. SGO is actively developing and using the Sodankylä Ion and Neutral Chemistry model (SIC) and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). For more information: www.sgo.fi 

About the job

We are looking for qualified candidates to fill one 4-year, full-time position at a Post Doctoral Researcher level, and one 3-year, full-time position at a Doctoral Researcher level. Both positions are starting in January 2025 or upon agreement. The place of work is located at the Research Unit of SGO on the Tähtelä Space Campus in Sodankylä, Finland. The work is done within the CHAMOS research collaboration and is linked to the APARC SOLARIS-HEPPA activity and the SCOSTEP PRESTO Program.

The positions are available in the CIEPPAR project (Climate Impact of Energetic Particle Precipitation in the Arctic Region, led by Professors Pekka Verronen and Antti Kero). CIEPPAR is a Strategic Spearhead Project funded by the Kvantum Institute at the University of Oulu. The positions will be filled in the field of space, ionospheric, atmospheric, and climate physics. The successful applicants will be doing research on the ionospheric and atmospheric impact of energetic particle precipitation and the processes and mechanisms connecting those to atmospheric dynamics and climate. The work will include utilization of a range of satellite-based and ground-based observations,  state-of-the-art atmospheric models, and advanced mathematical analysis methods. We also expect the Post Doctoral Researcher to actively apply for external funding for research.

What we offer?

• An interesting and versatile position in a multi-disciplinary field, combining Space Physics, Atmospheric Physics, Climate Science, and Computational Physics.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research group where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Development opportunities in a big Nordic university with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services.
• Wellness benefits ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into 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.

Who are you?

We expect from you 

Post Doctoral Researcher:

• a completed PhD or equivalent degree in Space Physics, Atmospheric Physics or a related discipline with high grades (no more than 10 years old)
• good knowledge of ionospheric and atmospheric physics, experience in observations and/or modeling, and some research publications in the field
• Good command in English
• Ability to work independently and in a team

Doctoral Researcher:

• a completed Master's or equivalent degree in Space Physics, Atmospheric Physics or a related discipline with high grades (see the detailed University of Oulu Graduate School requirements)
• At least basic knowledge of scientific analysis methods and computational skills including coding
• Good command in English
• Ability to work independently and in a team

We also appreciate 

• Experience with incoherent scatter radar measurements
• Experience with atmospheric or climate models
• Skills in climate science, magnetospheric physics
• Experience in making applications for personal research grants or fellowships

Salary

The Post Doctoral Researcher position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on the level 5 of the demand level chart for 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3 406 EUR per month (before taxes) plus a holiday bonus. The annual holiday is 4 – 5 weeks. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position. 

The Doctoral Researcher position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The starting salary will be based on the level 2 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities, and will gradually rise to the level 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2 359 EUR per month (before taxes) plus a holiday bonus. The annual holiday is 4 – 5 weeks. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by the 11th of November 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. 

The application should be written in English and include the following. All uploaded files should be in Portable Document Format (PDF):

1. Cover letter including the motivation and suitability for the position
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board of Research Integrity
3. List of publications with the applicant’s contributions highlighted
4. Certificates/Diplomas if not in English or Finnish, please provide English translations
5. Contact information of two persons ready to provide recommendations

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different languages, cultural or minority groups.  

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof Pekka Verronen (SGO, pekka.verronen@oulu.fi) or Prof Antti Kero (SGO, antti.kero@oulu.fi)