🇳🇴 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 & 𝐈𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐒 (𝐒𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝟕𝟖°𝐍)

The Department of Arctic Geophysics at The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is hiring a 3-year PhD Fellow (Stipendiat, Code 1017). The position is part of a 5-year Research Council of Norway project investigating mesoscale ionospheric flows and space weather dynamics in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UiO) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

The candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral program at the University of Oslo (UiO).

🔬 Core Responsibilities & Scientific Scope

Data Analysis & Modeling: Analyze historical and new datasets from SuperDARN and EISCAT radars to determine how ionospheric mesoscale flows (~10–100 km) vary across different Magnetic Local Times (MLT) under varying local conductivity, electric fields, and auroral precipitation drivers.

Methodology Development: Develop, deploy, and test new analysis methods on the Longyearbyen SuperDARN radar.

Radar Operations & Maintenance: Assist in operating and maintaining the Svalbard SuperDARN radar station located on Breinosa.

Collaborative Exchanges: Participate in international project collaborations, including research visits to BAS (Cambridge, UK) and UiO (Oslo, Norway), and present research at international conferences.

📋 Qualifications & Requirements
Required:

Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to space/ionospheric physics, completed or scheduled to be completed by January 31, 2027. Must meet admission requirements for the PhD program at UiO.

Physics & Math Background: Strong grounding in mathematics and physics relevant to ionospheric and space plasma physics.

Data Processing & Programming: Demonstrated experience in processing and analyzing large datasets using Python or MATLAB.

Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Advantageous:
Hands-on experience with SuperDARN, EISCAT, or related analysis toolkits (PyDARN, FITACF, GUISDAP, RST).

Experience applying or developing AI/machine learning tools for scientific data analysis.

Peer-reviewed publication record (authorship or co-authorship).

Class B driver's license (valid in Svalbard) and experience living/working in Arctic/polar environments.

💼 Compensation & Position Details
Duration: 3 years (Full-time, no required teaching duties).

Start Date: March 2027 (flexible).

Location: UNIS, Longyearbyen, Svalbard (78°N).

Salary & Benefits: Base salary (PhD Code 1017) plus an additional Svalbard allowance of NOK 44,640 per year. Favorable tax regime in Svalbard (8% income tax + 7.6% national insurance). Includes membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), relocation allowance (up to NOK 10,000), and access to staff housing.

📅 Application Deadline & Key Contacts
Application Deadline: October 23, 2026


Primary Contacts:
Professor Lisa Baddeley (lisab@unis.no)

Professor Dag Lorentzen (dagl@unis.no)

📩 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge. Required attachments:

Motivational Letter (max 1 page) detailing scientific interest in the project and motivation to study at UNIS.

Full Academic CV.

Transcripts & Diplomas (Bachelor's and Master's degrees, or official confirmation of completion by Jan 31, 2027; retrieved via Vitnemålsportalen.no if studied in Norway).

References: Contact information for 2 references (including Master's thesis supervisor).

@PhysicsStation