PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics University of Bergen in Norway

The University of Bergen, a leading European institution renowned for high-quality research and education, invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics within the Department of Physics and Technology. This position is funded by the ENLIGHTEN project, an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) under the Horizon Europe programme, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on thunderclouds, particle acceleration, and gamma-ray emission.

The ENLIGHTEN project builds on the group’s pioneering work, including the ALOFT aircraft campaign, which revealed new insights into tropical thunderclouds and their gamma-ray emissions. The project aims to explore the connection between energetic radiation and lightning initiation, a major unsolved problem in atmospheric electricity. The research will involve a new aircraft campaign using NASA’s high-altitude research aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico, scheduled for summer 2028. The team is developing an innovative airborne gamma-ray imager to localize and image gamma-ray sources from thunderclouds, with the potential for significant scientific discoveries.

The successful candidate will join the Space Physics group, working under the supervision of Professor Martino Marisaldi and Head of Department Kjetil Ullaland. The group has a strong international reputation and collaborates widely across Europe and the USA. The candidate will contribute to the realization, calibration, and testing of the gamma-ray imager, development of imaging software, and participate in detector operations during the aircraft campaign. Subsequent data exploitation and publication in top-tier journals and presentations at international conferences are expected.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in physics. Master students may apply if they complete their final exam before 01.08.2026. Required qualifications include documented experience or competence in radiation detectors, general knowledge of the near-earth space environment or atmospheric/lightning physics, and proficiency in programming languages for scientific data analysis and visualization. Experience with calibration of gamma-ray detectors is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate independence, structured work habits, collaborative skills, and strong English communication abilities. Personal qualities, research experience, ambitions, and potential will be considered.

The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, with the possibility of a 4th year involving career-promoting work such as teaching. The gross annual salary is NOK 568,700, with increases based on length of service. Additional benefits include enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and welfare benefits. The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

To apply, submit your application online via Jobbnorge, including a brief account of research interests, motivation, detailed justification of qualifications, names and contact information for two referees, CV, transcripts, diplomas, relevant certificates, approved documentation of English proficiency, and a publication list. Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded. The application deadline is 24 May 2026.

For further information, contact Professor Martino Marisaldi ([email protected]) or Head of Department Kjetil Ullaland ([email protected]). For HR questions, contact Vivian Stegen Jacobsen ([email protected]).

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic research group and contribute to advancing our understanding of atmospheric electricity and space physics.