Job description

A position as Researcher in Plasma and Space Physics, with the focus on statistical analysis of ionospheric plasma structuring and space weather effects in the polar regions, is available at the Department of Physics. The position is for a period of three years. Starting date: January/February 2022.

More about the position

The position is funded through the ERC Consolidator Grant entitled: “4DSpace: integrated study for space weather at high latitudes”, which combines in-situ experiments by sounding rockets, ground-based measurements, numerical modeling, and satellite data. The project aims to determine the role of the auroral particle precipitation at different geomagnetic conditions in forming plasma density irregularities at various altitudes, by accounting also for collisions with neutral background. It will also establish foundations for the physically based forecasting of scintillations of trans-ionospheric radio waves in the polar regions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the analysis of large datasets from the network of ground-based instruments in the Arctic and in Antarctica (all-sky-imagers, GNSS scintillation receivers, radars), as well as from satellites (e.g., Swarm, DMSP, Norsat-1). The candidate will assess the level of irregularities in plasma densities in these regions at selected geomagnetic conditions.

The statistical results will also be interpreted together with the outcomes of in-situ rocket experiments and numerical simulations, which will shed more light onto physical processes behind generating irregularities. The results will be a parametrized to provide a milestone for establishing a large-scale model for space weather effects in the polar regions.

The successful candidate will be a part of Section for Plasma and Space Physics at the Department of Physics as well as the 4DSpace Strategic Research Initiative. The main focus of these groups is to advance our understanding of processes in the high-latitude ionosphere, including plasma irregularities, turbulence and space weather effects in the polar regions. The main tools used for this research are ground-based instruments, including radar and optical systems (EISCAT, SuperDARN, all-sky-imagers), numerical models, and instruments on board spacecraft and sounding rockets. For more information, see: http://www.mn.uio.no/4dspace/

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these positions will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

The following qualifications are required:

• Ph.D. in physics.
• At least 3 years of research experience after the PhD defence.
• Strong background in space and ionospheric physics.
• Good theoretical insight into radiowave propagation in the ionosphere.
• Documented experience in working with the following datasets: GNSS TEC and scintillation receivers, all-sky auroral imagers, magnetometers, SuperDARN radars, satellite data.
• A good command of English.
• Good social and collaboration skills and ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience in ionospheric plasma physics at high latitudes and dynamic phenomena related to solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling.
• Experience in working with large datasets.
• Experience in modeling of radiowave propagation in the ionosphere.
• Experience in project leadership, organization of meetings and conferences.
• Experience in student supervision.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter including a statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work).
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). Applications with documents missing will not be considered further.

An expert committee will evaluate the applications. Applicants will normally be called in for interview.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Wojciech Miloch, w.j.miloch@fys.uio.no, tel. +47 22856014

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no, phone +47 22 85 71 96.

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