Postdoctoral Researcher, Space Physics

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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Space Physics

to join us in the SafeEarth Research Programme at the University of Oulu (Finland). The programme forms a part of our national profiling actions supported by the Research Council of Finland. One of the goals of the programme is to study how solar storms and space weather affect the near-Earth high-latitude ionosphere and technological systems.

The position is located in the Ionospheric Physics research group in the Space Physics and  Astronomy Research Unit at Faculty of Science. We study the effects of solar storms and space weather on the ionosphere-thermosphere system and utilize a comprehensive set of measurements from ground-based instruments (including incoherent scatter radars) and satellites in our research, supported by advanced numerical simulations. From beginning of 2026, we are a partner in the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience. Our activities also belong under the umbrella of SafeEarth space research funded by the Research Council of Finland in the PROFI-8 programme.

About the job                        

As a postdoctoral researcher you will be a member of the multidisciplinary SafeEarth research community and the Ionospheric Research group. Your task will be to study the geomagnetic storm effects in the ionosphere by utilizing incoherent scatter radars, including EISCAT and EISCAT_3D (as it becomes available), as well as other ground-based and satellite instruments. Usage of data-driven or physics-based models is also encouraged.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of scholars at University of Oulu as well as within our national and international collaboration network.
• 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 PhD degree in Space Physics or a closely related field. The degree must have been completed before the end of the application period. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago. 

Ability to pursue independent research, fluency in English and good communication skills are expected. We expect good programming (e.g., Matlab or Python) skills and prior experience in experimental space physics research. Familiarity with the usage of incoherent scatter radar data and analysis is considered a strong merit.  

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years starting on September 2026 or thereafter. The salary will be based on demand level 5 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. 3900 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.08.2026 (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 page)
2. Complete CV. A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Brief research and action plan (maximum 3 pages with references).
5. 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 an on-site or 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]