PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics University of Bergen in Norway

The University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics at the Department of Physics and Technology. This position is funded by the Research Council of Norway through the project “What makes 'Flickering Gamma-ray Flashes' Flicker?” and offers a fixed-term contract of 3 years, with the possibility of a 4th year dedicated to career-promoting activities such as teaching.

The research focuses on Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs), Flickering Gamma-ray Flashes (FGFs), and gamma-ray glows—some of the most energetic phenomena in Earth's atmosphere, generated by lightning and thunderstorm activity. The project aims to unravel the connections between TGFs, FGFs, glows, and lightning discharges using modeling and analysis of data from the innovative ALOFT flight campaign. The ALOFT campaign deployed advanced detectors aboard a NASA high-altitude aircraft, collecting data over thunderstorms in Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean. These airborne measurements were synchronized with ground-based radio stations, creating a unique multi-platform observation system. A second major aircraft campaign is planned for summer 2028.

As a PhD fellow, you will join the Space Physics group, working with both observational and simulated data. The balance between these will be tailored to your skills and interests. You will contribute to the dissemination of research results, enjoy a high degree of autonomy, and have flexibility in publication focus. The expectation is to publish in top-tier journals and present at national and international conferences at least twice a year. The team, led by Researcher David Sarria and Professor Martino Marisaldi, has a strong international reputation and collaborates widely across Europe and the USA.

Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in Physics. Master students may apply if they complete their final exam before 31 July 2026. Required qualifications include documented knowledge of the near-earth space environment or atmospheric/lightning physics, proficiency in programming languages for scientific data analysis and visualization, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience with radio, optical, or hard-radiation detectors, and familiarity with ALOFT data, are advantageous. Proficiency in written and oral English is essential. Personal qualities, ambitions, and potential will be considered in the evaluation process. The University of Bergen is subject to export control regulations, which will be applied during application processing.

The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 568,700, enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and good welfare benefits. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously held a qualifying post. As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within 3 years, with the deadline for applying to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences being 2 months after starting the position.

To apply, submit your application online via Jobbnorge, including a brief account of your research interests and motivation, a detailed justification of your qualifications, names and contact information for two referees (one should be your master's thesis advisor), CV, transcripts, diplomas, relevant certificates, approved documentation of English proficiency, and a publication list. All documents must be uploaded with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language.

The University of Bergen values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The university applies the principle of public access to information in recruitment, and information about applicants may be made public.

For further details, contact Researcher David Sarria ([email protected]) or Head of Department Kjetil Ullaland ([email protected]). For HR questions, contact Vivian Stegen Jacobsen ([email protected]).