Postdoctoral Researcher

Oulun yliopisto; Oulu; On-site; EUR 39,606 - 47,441; Full time

Job summary

Oulun yliopisto in Finland seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, focusing on the ionosphere-thermosphere response to geomagnetic storms using global simulations.

You will compare model results with satellite observations from missions like Swarm/GRACE, and contribute to the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience while advancing independent research collaborations.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Space Physics or closely related field.
• Fluency in English and good communication skills.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and experience in space physics research.

Responsibilities

• Study global changes in the ionosphere-thermosphere system induced by geomagnetic storms using first-principles global simulations.
• Compare simulations with thermospheric density measurements from LEO satellites and ground-based instruments.
• Collaborate within the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience and international partners; publish results and contribute to ongoing projects.

Skills

English Fluency

Independent Research

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Space Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

We are now looking for Postdoctoral Researcher to join us in the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit at the Faculty of Science.In the Ionospheric Physics research group we study the effects of solar storms and space weather on the ionosphere-thermosphere system. We utilize a comprehensive set of measurements from ground-based instruments and satellites in our research, supported by advanced numerical simulations. The research group consists of one professor, three senior researchers, four postdoctoral researchers and about eight doctoral researchers, and has a wide national and international network of collaborators.

About the job

As a postdoctoral researcher you will be a member of the newly established Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience, where your task is to study global changes in the ionosphere-thermosphere system induced by geomagnetic storms.Your work will focus on applying existing first-principles global numerical simulations of the near-Earth space environment to study the effects of geomagnetic storms on the ionosphere-thermosphere system. Both nominal storms and extreme storms, encountered once per century, will be studied. The simulations will be compared with thermospheric neutral mass density variations measured by low-Earth orbit satellites (e.g., Swarm, GRACE, GOCE).

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of about twenty people at University of Oulu and the large nation-wide Space Resilience Center of Excellence community distributed to University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Finnish Meteorological Institute and University of Turku, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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 Oulu.
• 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?

You must hold a PhD degree in Space Physics or a closely related field. The degree must have been completed before the end of the application period. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.Ability to pursue independent research, fluency in English and good communication skills are expected. We expect good programming (e.g., Matlab or Python) skills and prior experience in space physics research. Prior experience in using data from low Earth orbit satellites or ground-based instruments and experience in numerical simulations are considered a merit.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years starting on 01.10.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on demand level 5 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. Starting gross salary will be approx. 3900 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.