Vacancy: Postdoc Position in Radio Science

KAIRA site in Kilpisjärvi. Photo Craig Heinselman, EISCAT.

"Remote sensing of energetic particle precipitation into atmosphere"

The postdoc position in Radio Science is part of the profiling actions of University of Oulu, where selected spearheads of research are supported in the research strategy of the university. At the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO), the position is mainly meant to boost development of phased-array radio techniques, measurement methods and related science applications in preparation to the use of the forthcoming next-generation incoherent scatter radar facility, EISCAT_3D.

There is growing evidence that the energetic particle precipitation (EPP) originating from the Sun can significantly modulate the middle-atmospheric dynamics, and possibly alter the global atmospheric circulation via ionic production of minor species (such as odd hydrogen and odd nitrogen), thus causing subsequent ozone loss in the stratosphere. The Postdoc project investigates both the EPP and the photoionisation taking place in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) altitudes (mainly 60-100 km). For the EPP, the altitude of the maximum ionisation is a direct measure of precipitation energy. This energy-height dependence makes it possible to invert the EPP flux density spectrum from any height-dependent electron density measurement.　

The project exploits a comprehensive set of ground-based (and sounding rocket) electron density data obtained by various radio methods, of which the most important ones are the incoherent scatter radars (EISCAT) and the Kilpisjärvi Imaging Receiver Array, KAIRA. An important tool available at SGO is the in-house developed detailed Sodankylä Ion-neutral Chemistry (SIC).

Deadline: 28th September 2018, 24:00 (Finnish local time).

To apply, please see the full job description and use the electronic application form.

For more information, please contact Ass. Prof. Antti Kero, e-mail: antti.kero(at)sgo.fi, tel.: +358442894669.

Photo: Craig Heinselman, EISCAT Scientific Association.

PhD Opportunity: Ionospheric Current Systems

Applications are invited for a four-year, full-time doctoral student position. The successful candidate will study of space weather effects on the high-latitude ionospheric current systems and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. The project will utilise data from the Swarm satellites and ground-based magnetometers (e.g. SuperMAG and IMAGE), together with other satellite and ground-based measurements.

The position will be placed in the Ionospheric Physics research unit at the Faculty of Science, University of Oulu. In the unit the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system is studied by utilising data from different satellite missions (e.g. Swarm and Cluster) and from versatile ground-based instruments, including the EISCAT incoherent scatter radars. We are looking for candidates with MSc degree in Physics, Space Physics, Computational Physics or a closely related field. Experience in programming and earlier studies in Space Physics are an advantage.

To apply, please see the full job description and use the electronic application form.

Deadline: 15th September 2018, (24:00 h Finnish local summer time).

Further information can be obtained from Dr Heikki Vanhamäki (heikki.vanhamaki(at)oulu.fi) or Prof. Anita Aikio (anita.aikio(at)oulu.fi).

Image: Swarm satellite constellation. ©2013 by ESA/ATG Medialab.

PhD Opportunity: Ionospheric Physics

Applications are invited for a four-year, full-time doctoral student position. The successful candidate will develop data analysis tools for the EISCAT and EISCAT_3D ionospheric radars and will use them for studies of space weather effects on the high-latitude ionosphere. The project will utilise Bayesian techniques in radar data analysis.

The position will be placed in the Ionospheric Physics research unit at the Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, where the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system is studied by utilising data from different satellite missions (e.g. Swarm and Cluster) and from versatile ground-based instruments. The EISCAT incoherent scatter radars have a central role in the unit’s research.  Capabilities of the present EISCAT radars will be surpassed by the high-resolution, volumetric observations of the EISCAT_3D radar system by 2022. 

We are looking for candidates with MSc degree in Physics, Space Physics, Computational Physics or a closely related field. Experience in programming and earlier studies in Space Physics are an advantage.

To apply, please see the full job description and use the electronic application. 

Further information can be obtained from: Dr Ilkka Virtanen (ilkka.i.virtanen at oulu.fi) or Prof. Anita Aikio (anita.aikio at oulu.fi).

Application deadline is 30 May 2018 (24:00 Finnish local time).

Photo: Aerial view of Linnanmaa Campus; copyright University of Oulu, all rights reserved.

PhD Candidate in Radio Science and Ionospheric Physics

PhD Candidate in Radio Science and Ionospheric Physics at UiT The Arctic University of Norway

University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Science and Technology, has a PhD student position vacant for applicants who wish to obtain the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD). The appointment is for a period of four years.

The successful candidate will participate in the development and use of novel high power large aperture radar observational techniques in combination with other relevant instruments, with the goal of advancing the state of knowledge of ionospheric phenomena. Examples of potential topics of research include: ionospheric modification, characterisation of auroral energetic particle precipitation, and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. The final scope of the thesis project will be determined based on the background and interests of the candidate.

The position is attached to the Space Physics group at the Department of Physics and Technology, which is located on the Tromsø campus of UiT. The Space Physics group has a long tradition in using the radar instruments of the EISCAT Scientific Association in Northern Scandinavia and plays an important role in preparing for the new advanced atmospheric radar facility EISCAT_3D. Scientists in the group also conduct research on topics including: auroral ionosphere, ionospheric modification, space weather, laboratory plasmas, space debris, planetary radar, dusty plasma in the mesosphere, and long-term trends in the ionosphere. The Space Physics group consists of eight faculty members and six PhD students. The group will be expanded by four PhD students and one postdoctoral scientist during the next year.

Further information about the position and project details is available by contacting:

Associate Professor Juha Vierinen, email juha-pekka.vierinen -at- uit.no or tel. +47 981 72 827.

Please read also the full announcement of this vacancy.

Photo: Thomas Ulich.