Doctoral Researcher, Space Physics and Astronomy

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 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Space Physics and  Astronomy Research Unit at the Faculty of Science. The position is fixed term for 4 years.

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 doctoral 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.

Building on previous work conducted in our research group, you will be using global data-driven modelling based on SuperDARN, SuperMAG and AMPERE data to estimate ionospheric Joule heating and compare it with thermospheric neutral mass density variations measured by satellites (e.g., Swarm, GRACE, GOCE) in order to investigate the changes in atmospheric drag experienced by satellites at low-Earth orbits (LEO). In addition, you will apply those results in development of physics-informed machine learning methods.

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. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• 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. Read more about working with us.
• 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. Read more about living in Oulu

Who are you?

• You must hold a MSc degree or an equivalent degree in Space Physics, Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field. The degree must have been completed before the start of the work, with very good or excellent grades.
• Ability to pursue independent research, fluency in English and good communication skills are expected.
• Prior experience in Space Physics, experience in geophysical data analysis and programming skills (e.g., in Matlab or Python) are considered a merit.
• As the successful candidate you will carry out your doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme of Science at the University of Oulu Graduate School and must meet the requirements to receive doctoral study rights (https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/graduate-school/admissions).

Salary

The position is fixed term for 4 years starting on 1^st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be initially set on demand level 2, and later on levels 3 – 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. Starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-2800 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.06.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter: describing your motivation for the position, prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
2. Complete CV: which also includes 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 or electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (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.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for 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:

Professor Anita Aikio
Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit
[email protected] 

Senior Research Fellow Heikki Vanhamäki
Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit
[email protected]