Doctoral Researcher, Space Physics, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory

The University of Oulu; Oulu; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HR Excellence in Research

Supportive academic environment

Career development opportunities

Living in Oulu, high quality of life

Job summary

The University of Oulu invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position at the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO). Based in Oulu, you will pursue postgraduate studies toward a doctoral degree under the SafeEarth programme, contributing to space weather research and its societal implications.

You will analyse auroral data, study space weather processes, publish findings, and collaborate across an international, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Degree in space physics, physics, astronomy or related field and admission to UniOGS by start of doctoral studies.
• Strong interest in space weather, upper atmosphere or geomagnetic disturbances.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research and complete doctoral studies.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and programming, preferably Python; good written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Analyse observations from Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory networks, focusing on auroral imaging and related data.
• Study physical processes linking aurora and space weather in near-Earth environment.
• Contribute to new scientific understanding of natural hazards from space weather and society implications.
• Publish results in international journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with SafeEarth consortium and participate in research group activities.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

English communication

Independent researcher

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Space physics interest

Education

Space physics or related field

Tools

Linux-based systems

Raspberry Pi

Job description

Service and separate units, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join us at the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO), University of Oulu. SGO operates internationally recognized geophysical measurement networks and research infrastructures, supporting research on space weather, the near-Earth environment, and Arctic geophysics. The position is part of the SafeEarth research programme, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The doctoral researcher will contribute to improved understanding of the space weather phenomena and their impacts on critical technological infrastructure and society.

About the job

Space weather driven by solar activity can produce disturbances in the Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic environment, creating natural hazards that are particularly pronounced at high latitudes. Understanding these processes is essential for improving resilience against space weather impacts on society and infrastructure.

As a doctoral researcher, you will pursue postgraduate studies leading to a doctoral degree while advancing your own doctoral thesis within the SafeEarth research programme. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Oulu's Linnanmaa campus in Oulu, Finland. In this position, you will be expected to:

• analyse observations from the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory's measurement networks, with a particular focus on auroral imaging data and related geophysical observations
• study the physical processes linking aurora and space weather impacts in the near-Earth environment
• contribute to the development of new scientific understanding of natural hazards associated with space weather and their implications for society
• publish research results in international scientific journals and present your work at conferences
• collaborate with researchers across the multidisciplinary SafeEarth consortium and participate in other activities of the research group

What we offer

• We offer you a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• 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.
• 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.

Who are you?

To succeed in this position, we expect you to have:

• A degree in space physics, physics, astronomy, atmospheric sciences, data science, geophysics, or another relevant field. Applicants should meet the admission requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) by the beginning of their doctoral studies.
• A strong interest in space weather, the upper atmosphere, auroral phenomena, or geomagnetic disturbances.
• Demonstrated ability and motivation to conduct independent scientific research and complete doctoral studies.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and programming, preferably in Python.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

We also appreciate

• Previous research experience in space physics, geophysics, atmospheric science, astronomy, or related fields.
• Familiarity with optical instrumentation and imaging techniques.
• Experience with Linux-based systems, embedded systems, or Raspberry Pi platforms.
• Experience presenting scientific results through publications, theses, conference presentations, or similar activities.

The position isfixed-term for 3 years as of 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate is expected to complete their doctoral degree within this period.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 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 starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-3200 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6months is applied to the position.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dogacan Ozturk, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, [e-mail].