Doctoral Researcher in Space Physics and Astronomy
The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary and international research university in Finland, is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to join its Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit within the Faculty of Science. This fixed-term, four-year position offers the opportunity to work in the Ionospheric Physics research group, which investigates the effects of solar storms and space weather on the ionosphere-thermosphere system using ground-based and satellite measurements, supported by advanced numerical simulations.
As a doctoral researcher, you will be part of the newly established Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience. Your research will focus on studying global changes in the ionosphere-thermosphere system induced by geomagnetic storms. You will utilize 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 such as Swarm, GRACE, and GOCE. This work aims to investigate changes in atmospheric drag experienced by satellites at low-Earth orbits (LEO) and contribute to the development of physics-informed machine learning methods.
The research group is composed of one professor, three senior researchers, four postdoctoral researchers, and about eight doctoral researchers, with a wide network of national and international collaborators. You will benefit from the support of an experienced and enthusiastic team at the University of Oulu and the broader Space Resilience Center of Excellence community, which includes partners at the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Finnish Meteorological Institute, and University of Turku.
The University of Oulu offers a range of staff benefits, including the wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being, as well as development and career options within a large organization. The university holds the HR Excellence in Research quality label from the European Commission, recognizing its commitment to researchers’ working conditions and careers. The Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support newcomers and their families in settling into Oulu, a city known for its high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy.
Applicants must hold an MSc degree or equivalent in Space Physics, Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field, completed before the start date with very good or excellent grades. Independent research ability, fluency in English, and good communication skills are required. Prior experience in Space Physics, geophysical data analysis, and programming skills (e.g., Matlab or Python) are considered a merit. Candidates must meet the requirements for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Official certified translations into English or Finnish are required for documents not originally in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
The position is full-time, starting on 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The starting gross salary is approximately 2600-2800 € per month (before taxes), set on demand level 2 and later on levels 3–4 of the national salary scale for Finnish universities. An additional salary component based on personal work performance will be paid. A trial period of six months applies.
To apply, submit your application online through the University of Oulu recruitment system by 30 June 2026. Applications must be written in English and include a cover letter, complete CV, diplomas and transcripts, and contact information for two referees. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Eligible applicants may be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.
For further information, contact Professor Anita Aikio ([email protected]) or Senior Research Fellow Heikki Vanhamäki ([email protected]) at the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit.
