Martino Marisaldi

The University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics, based at the Department of Physics and Technology. This position is part of the GRAIL (“Gamma Radiation from the Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning”) project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme under the Maria Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. The fellowship is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, with the possibility of a 4th year involving career-promoting work such as teaching. The research focuses on thunderclouds as natural particle accelerators, specifically investigating Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGF) and their observation from space. The successful candidate will develop innovative mission concepts for TGF observation, building on the scientific exploitation of the ASIM mission onboard the International Space Station and the ALOFT flight campaign. The project includes the study and development of detectors and mission profiles for atmospheric electricity experiments, aiming to advance beyond the current state-of-the-art. Results are expected to be published in top-tier journals and presented at international conferences. The PhD project is one of 15 GRAIL PhD projects across Europe, with two hosted at the University of Bergen. The candidate will benefit from extensive collaboration within the Horizon Europe GRAIL network, including funding for international conferences, transferable-skills training, and academic courses such as summer and winter schools. Planned secondments include Duke University (USA) and IDEAS (Norway). The Space Physics group at the Department of Physics and Technology, led by Professor Martino Marisaldi, offers a stimulating environment with ongoing funded projects and a strong international reputation. The team collaborates widely across Europe and the USA, including the ERC Advanced Grant project ENLIGHTEN. Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in physics, or be in the final stages of their master's programme (completion required by 01.08.2026). Required qualifications include documented experience with radiation detectors, proficiency in programming languages for scientific data analysis and visualization, and general knowledge of the near-earth space environment. Additional advantages include knowledge of atmospheric or lightning physics and space systems engineering. Candidates must demonstrate independence, structured work habits, collaborative skills, and proficiency in English. The Horizon Europe mobility rule applies: candidates must not have resided in Norway for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 568,700, with increases based on length of service, enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and welfare benefits. Funding is available for conference attendance and personal development through the GRAIL network. Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge and include a research interests statement, detailed qualifications justification, contact information for two referees, CV, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and documentation of English proficiency. Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language are required if applicable. The application deadline is 24 May 2026. For further information, contact Professor Martino Marisaldi ([email protected]) or Head of Department Kjetil Ullaland ([email protected]). The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

The University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Space Physics, focusing on the experimental investigation of gamma-ray glows and Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements. This position is based in the Department of Physics and Technology and is funded by the GRAIL project (“Gamma Radiation from the Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning”), part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of a fourth year dedicated to career-promoting activities such as teaching. The research project explores thunderclouds as natural particle accelerators, capable of producing gamma-rays and long-duration emissions associated with intense electric fields. The successful candidate will conduct ground-based observations at international facilities, analyze data from aircraft and ground-based sources, and assess the feasibility of deploying gamma-ray instrumentation at additional sites. The findings are expected to contribute to top-tier peer-reviewed journals and be presented at international conferences. As part of the GRAIL network, the candidate will benefit from extensive collaboration opportunities, including funded attendance at conferences, summer and winter schools, online seminars, and PhD-level courses. Planned secondments include the ASEC laboratory in Armenia and ASTRON in the Netherlands, providing hands-on experience with radiation instrumentation. The Space Physics group at the University of Bergen, led by Professor Martino Marisaldi, is internationally recognized and manages several funded projects, including the ERC Advanced Grant ENLIGHTEN. The group offers a stimulating environment with a wide network of collaborators across Europe and the USA. Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in Physics, or be in the final stages of their master's studies (completion required by 01.08.2026). Essential qualifications include documented experience with radiation detectors, proficiency in programming languages for scientific data analysis and visualization, and general knowledge of the near-earth space environment, atmospheric or lightning physics. Strong written and oral English skills, independence, and collaborative abilities are required. The Horizon Europe mobility rule applies: candidates must not have resided in Norway for more than 12 months in the three years prior to recruitment. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 568,700, with increases based on length of service, enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and comprehensive welfare benefits. Additional funding supports international travel, training, and secondments. The PhD fellowship requires participation in an approved educational programme, with admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology within two months of starting. To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge, including a motivation letter, detailed qualifications, contact information for two referees, CV, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, documentation of English proficiency, and a publication list. Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language are required. The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. For further information, contact Professor Martino Marisaldi ([email protected]) or Head of Department Kjetil Ullaland ([email protected]). HR-related questions can be directed to Vivian Stegen Jacobsen ([email protected]).