Job description

A position as Researcher in Plasma and Space Physics, with the focus on numerical studies of spacecraft-plasma interactions and computer data processing, is available at the Department of Physics, University of Oslo.

The position is for 2 years.

Within the framework of the position, duties may be assigned.

Expected starting date: 1 September.

More about the position

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), advanced numerical models, and instruments on board spacecraft and sounding rockets. In particular the group has developed numerical codes for plasma-object interaction, such as DiP3D or PINC, and has been involved in the development and operation of the data products for the European Space Agency’s Swarm mission. It also maintains datasets from different ground based and spacecraft instruments. For more information, see: http://www.mn.uio.no/4dspace/

The current position is related to the numerical modeling within the scope of the European Space Agency projects carried out at the 4DSpace group, operation of the data product processors, and support in the maintenance of scientific datasets within the group.

Particular duties are:

- Continuing development and documentation of a numerical code PINC for simulations of plasma-object interactions in a collisionless and weakly collisional plasma.- Simulating spacecraft-plasma interactions in relation to the ongoing European Space Agency's projects and oncoming space missions.

- Active participation in the community work on simulations of the spacecraft-plasma interactions in the context of science study for oncoming ESA Earth Observation missions, including contribution to the E2E simulator.- Maintaining and updating data products for the European Space Agency, Swarm DISC project.

- Support in maintenance of a local database from the spacecraft and ground-based observations.

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.

Required qualifications:

• M.Sc. or similar in space and plasma physics.
• Strong experience in computer system infrastructure, parallel computing, and data management.
• Strong experience in numerical modeling and code development, in particular particle-in-cell methods.
• A good command of English
• Good social and collaboration skills and ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Experience from ESA related projects, including documentation and data product operation.

Desired qualifications:

• Knowledge of ionospheric plasma physics at high latitudes and dynamic phenomena related to solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling.
• Experience in numerical simulations of spacecraft-plasma interactions.

We offer

• salary NOK 479 600 – 523 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1108)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interests)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of relevant publications and thesis 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)

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications with documents missing will not be considered further.

Evaluation:

An expert committee will evaluate the applications. Information and materials that should be considered by the committee must be submitted within the deadline. Applicants will normally be called in for interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 etc.

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

Contact information

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

For technical questions about the recruitment system, HR Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, email: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

Apply for position