Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plasma and Space Physics is available at the epartment of Physics, University of Oslo.
The post doc fellowship is for a period of 2,5 years. Within the framework of the position, duties may be assigned. Starting date preferably no later than March 1. 2019.
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More about the position
The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines.
The successful candidate will be a part of the 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 high latitude electrodynamics and its impact on technological systems like GPS and Galileo. The main tools used in these investigations are advanced numerical models (both fluid and particle-in-cell codes), ground-based radar and optical systems (EISCAT, SuperDARN), instruments on board spacecraft (Swarm, NorSat-1), and in situ measurements made by sounding rockets (the ICI-rocket series). For more information, see: http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/research/projects/4dspace/
In July 2017 the first Norwegian scientific satellite was launched into a polar orbit. On board it carries the multi-needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) developed and built at the University of Oslo. This instrument is capable of measuring the ionospheric plasma density with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz, thereby mapping the ionospheric state at an unprecedented resolution. The successful candidate will utilize this unique dataset to achieve two goals: (1) map ionospheric structuring and its driving processes in the mid- and low-latitude region by combining the high-resolution NorSat-1 data with contextual data from radars, magnetometers, and other ground-based instruments; and (2) characterize the m-NLP instrument on board NorSat-1 as well as its interaction with the plasma environment. The second part will involve comparisons between actual NorSat-1 data and measurements obtained in our new plasma chamber – the successful candidate is expected to take a leading part in the development of this new capability here at the University of Oslo. Another key element of this part is to develop future versions of the m-NLP to be flown on other satellites and rockets together with our technical staff. We expect that this work will lead to several significant advances in the field of plasma turbulence.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships 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
- A Ph.D. degree (completed before March 1st 2019) or equivalent
- Documented background in experimental plasma physics and/or instrumentation and measurement science
- Strong programming skills
- A good command of English
Desired qualifications
The candidate is expected to contribute to our understanding of equatorial plasma physics as well as future iterations of the m-NLP instrument. It is therefore highly desirable that the candidate has:
- a documented background in mid- and low-latitude geophysics
- a documented background in working with laboratory plasmas, and/or
- experience with the design of instruments for rockets or spacecraft.
We offer
- Salary NOK 515 200 – 597 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
- 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, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates, academic 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).
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed as Postdoctoral Fellow for more than one specified period at the same institution.
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 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
Associate professor Lasse Clausen, email lasse.clausen@fys.uio.no, ph. + 47 22 85 56
For technical questions regarding the application system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, +47 22 85 71 96, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The research at the Department covers a broad range of subfields within physics and technology: From space research to medical physics. A good proportion of the research is interdisciplinary, and conducted in close cooperation with collaborators in Norway and abroad.
Education and teaching are other essential activities. We offer a broad range of courses, and the Department is involved in several study programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level. Some of the best lecturers in Norway are amongst our employees, and we are proud of our prizewinning teaching and learning environment. The Department has 200 employees, of which 50 are permanent scientific positions. On a yearly basis 20 students complete their Ph.D. and 50 finish their M.Sc. degree.
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