Doctoral Researcher Space Physics Sodankyla Geophysical Observatory

Laplace Apply; Oulu; Hybrid; EUR 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University Of Oulu's Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Space Physics. The position, based at Oulu’s Linnanmaa campus, starts January 2027 or soon after, for three years, with a starting salary of about EUR 2,600–3,200 gross per month.

You will study auroral imagery, solar activity, and space-weather, while completing doctoral coursework and publishing research.

Qualifications

• PhD-level candidate in physics, space physics, astronomy, atmospheric science, geophysics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Analyse auroral imagery and observatory measurements.
• Investigate how solar activity and space-weather affect near-Earth environment.
• Communicate implications for critical technological infrastructure.
• Complete doctoral coursework and thesis; produce journal publications.
• Collaborate with space-weather researchers across the consortium.

Skills

Auroral imaging

Geophysical data analysis

Python

Education

PhD-level admission requirements

Job description

Doctoral Researcher Space Physics Sodankyla Geophysical Observatory

University Of Oulu

Finland

Apply by 30 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

The University of Oulu’s Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory is recruiting a doctoral researcher for its Research Council of Finland-funded SafeEarth programme.

The University of Oulu’s Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory is recruiting a doctoral researcher for its Research Council of Finland-funded SafeEarth programme. The researcher will analyse auroral imagery and related observations from observatory measurement networks, investigate how solar activity and space-weather phenomena perturb the near-Earth environment, and communicate implications for critical technological infrastructure. The candidate will complete doctoral coursework and a thesis, produce journal publications and collaborate with space-weather researchers across the consortium. The employment is a three-year, full-time appointment based at Oulu’s Linnanmaa campus, beginning January 2027 or shortly thereafter, with an advertised starting salary of approximately EUR 2,600–3,200 gross monthly. Application date: 30 November 2026 (date only unless an exact time is independently specified).Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: Based on the advertised research and qualification requirements, the position may particularly suit applicants trained in physics, space physics, astronomy, atmospheric science, geophysics or related data-intensive fields, with scientific programming and interest in auroral imaging and space weather.Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: The chosen applicant must separately obtain doctoral study rights at the beginning of employment, develop a short research plan and work on campus. The position anticipates thesis completion within three years.Overall Opportunity Assessment: The distinguishing research activities and working conditions described above determine the main applicant trade-offs; applicants should compare the documented duties with their professional research goals.

Level PhD

Duration 3 years

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount EUR 2,600-3,200 / Per Month

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Period Per Month

Requirements

Education

Relevant degree meeting University of Oulu doctoral school admission requirements.

Experience

Technical Skills Auroral imaging Geophysical data analysis Python