Doctoral researcher and a Postdoctoral Researcher in Kvantum Institute Spearhead project “Energetic Particle Influence on polar vortex under Climate Change – EPICC”, at Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, Faculty of Science

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

a Doctoral Researcher (3-year, full-time position) and a Postdoctoral Researcher (4-year, full-time position) 

to work in the Space Climate research group within the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit of the University of Oulu. The Space Climate group studies the long-term evolution of solar activity and its influence in near-Earth space, atmosphere and climate system. We have a relaxed and encouraging working atmosphere composed of researchers and students of different levels and nationalities. The research unit has also a wide international and national collaboration network.

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.

About the job

The Doctoral researcher position and the Postdoctoral researcher position are open in the Kvantum Institute Spearhead project “Energetic Particle Influence on polar vortex under Climate Change – EPICC”, which aims at 1) developing new reconstructions for past and possible future energetic particle precipitation (EPP) into the atmosphere and 2) studying how the EPP influence on the climate system is affected by the climate change. The project is led by Associate Professor Timo Asikainen.

The Doctoral researcher position is full-time for 3 years.
The Postdoctoral researcher position is full-time for 4 years.

Both positions will start at the earliest on 1st of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Doctoral researcher position concentrates on developing models for long-term reconstruction of the electron precipitation from low to relativistic energies using various satellite missions, solar wind and geomagnetic activity records.

The Postdoctoral researcher position concentrates on using a combination of climate modeling and re-analysis datasets to study how the EPP influence on the climate system is affected by the climate change. The Post-doctoral researcher is also expected to actively apply for external funding for research as well as participate in teaching activities.

The EPICC project contributes to the ongoing and future efforts of the CMIP7 climate modeling community to better represent and understand the mechanisms of solar influences on climate with climate modeling.  The research is also linked to the APARC SOLARIS-HEPPA research activities.

What we offer?

• We offer you a position in a highly talented research group, working on topical scientific questions in a multidisciplinary field across space physics, climate science and data science.
• We offer a flexible and relaxed working group with supportive and encouraging colleagues.
• University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an 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. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Requirements for the job

Doctoral researcher

• A completed M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Space Physics, Physics, Atmospheric physics, Climate science, Data science or a related field. The selected person must have achieved a good grades in their degree (i.e., at least 60% of the maximum grades in both taught courses and the master's thesis) and must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies. See more detailed requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School.
• Knowledge in one of the following topics: space physics, atmospheric physics, climate science, data science
• At least basic knowledge of statistical data analysis methods.
• Excellent fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

Experience in deep learning methods is considered a merit.

The successful doctoral researcher candidate will carry out 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.

Postdoctoral researcher

• a completed PhD or equivalent degree in Space Physics, Atmospheric Physics, Climate science or a related discipline with high grades (no more than 10 years old)
• good knowledge and experience of atmospheric physics, climate dynamics, space physics and data analysis methods and associated research publications in the field
• Excellent fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

We also appreciate experience in climate modeling, teaching and demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.

In both positions we also highly value

• Experience in programming with at least one relevant language (e.g., Matlab, Python, IDL, C/C++ etc.)
• A positive and motivated mindset
• Good communications skills

Salary

The Doctoral researcher position is fixed-term for 3 years starting on 1st of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be initially set on demand 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). In practice, the salary is roughly 2500 – 2700 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis. Annual holiday is 4-5 weeks and includes a monetary holiday bonus. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

The Postdoctoral researcher position is fixed-term for 4 years starting 1st of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The salary will be roughly 3700-3800 € per month (before taxes) depending on the appointee’s qualifications and performance. The annual holiday is 4 – 5 weeks and includes a monetary holiday bonus. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

If you're interested please submit your application through the online system by November 17, 2024, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):

1. Cover letter describing which of the two positions you are applying, explanation for your motivation for the position, prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
2. Complete CV which includes also 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).
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (PhD, 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.
4. Contact information of two persons ready to provide recommendations.

Applications sent by email will not be considered. Usage of AI systems in writing the application is not forbidden but will be considered as a negative point. The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile of the position may be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions please contact

Assoc. Prof. Timo Asikainen,
Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, Faculty of Science,
email: timo.asikainen@oulu.fi

1. Timo Heikki Kalevi Asikainen,