Doctoral Researcher, Geracle project

Faculty of Science, Space Physics and Astronomy

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 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

We are now looking for a

to join us in the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit (SPA RU) at the Faculty of Science. The SPA RU includes research groups in Ionospheric Physics, Space Climate, Cosmic Rays, and Astronomy. The unit is a part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence and is involved in several large-scale research projects. It is involved in top-level research, both experimental and theoretical, in the fields of heliospheric, magnetospheric, and ionospheric physics, cosmic rays and atmospheric effects, and planetary sciences.

This position is open in the Cosmic Rays research group led by Professor Ilya Usoskin. The successful applicant will work in a compact, active, dynamic, and highly international research group.

The position will be filled in the framework of a highly prestigious, large-scale ERC Synergy research grant called ”GERACLE”, which focuses on the effects of geomagnetic reversals and excursions on Earth’s environment. The successful applicant will perform research in the modelling of the magnetosphere in non-standard conditions. The duties will include:

• You will be an active member of a multidisciplinary research group working on cutting-edge research in the framework of the GERACLE project.
• You will perform advanced modelling of the Earth’s magnetosphere in the non-standard conditions of a very weak and non-dipole geomagnetic field.
• You will closely collaborate with other group members working on the radiation environment and climate modelling.
• You are expected to write and publish scientific peer-reviewed articles in high-level journals and present the results at scientific conferences.
• You will perform necessary graduate studies and complete and successfully defend a doctoral thesis on a topic related to the Project at the end of the period.

• The support of a highly experienced and enthusiastic top-level research team of about 30 people, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Development and career options in a big organisation.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research
  -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.
• A completed M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Space Physics, Geosciences, or another field directly relevant to the project is required before the start of the employment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, including scientific writing.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

We also appreciate:

• Knowledge of physics related to electrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, geosciences, and solar physics.
• Experience in numerical modelling, knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, Fortran,
  
  C).
• Ability and willingness to learn new things.

The position is fixed-term for 4 years starting on the 1 st of June, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. A 6 month trial period will be applied to the position. The work will be performed in person in the Linnanmaa campus of the University of Oulu.

The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be  € per month (before taxes).

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.03.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages), including a description of your experience and motivations related to the position.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups.

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Ilya Usoskin (email: ilya.usoskin[АТ]oulu.fi)