We are looking for a motivated doctoral researcher (i.e. PhD candidate) to work on high-latitude space–atmosphere coupling in an ERC Starting Grant project. The position is located in Kumpula campus, Helsinki (Finland).
Your tasks will include developing and working with novel analysis methods leveraging citizen science optical data and investigating energy deposition into the high-latitude upper atmosphere associated with space weather processes using measurements from a wide range of instruments.
The work is part of the ‘Lights in the night sky and Ozone loss: Unravelling Atmospheric forcing from space with Radar, optics, and Novel citizen science’ (LOUARN) project funded by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant) in the Space Weather Group at the FMI. In the project, we quantify the atmospheric forcing from space in terms of energetics, chemistry, and dynamics through the analysis of observations, numerical simulations, and citizen science methods.
In addition to developing new methods and analysing observations, you will be included in international research collaborations, participate in scientific conferences, and prepare publications for peer-reviewed international scientific journals. Occasionally, you may also be asked to contribute to other tasks such as development of operational space weather forecasting or data products from FMI instrument measurements. If you have solid Finnish language skills and have gained sufficient experience in space weather, you will also have the opportunity to participate in on-call space weather services, for which you will receive an additional compensation.
We are looking for a motivated doctoral researcher (i.e. PhD candidate) to work on high-latitude space–atmosphere coupling in an ERC Starting Grant project. The position is located in Kumpula campus, Helsinki (Finland).
Your tasks will include developing and working with novel analysis methods leveraging citizen science optical data and investigating energy deposition into the high-latitude upper atmosphere associated with space weather processes using measurements from a wide range of instruments.
The work is part of the ‘Lights in the night sky and Ozone loss: Unravelling Atmospheric forcing from space with Radar, optics, and Novel citizen science’ (LOUARN) project funded by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant) in the Space Weather Group at the FMI. In the project, we quantify the atmospheric forcing from space in terms of energetics, chemistry, and dynamics through the analysis of observations, numerical simulations, and citizen science methods.
In addition to developing new methods and analysing observations, you will be included in international research collaborations, participate in scientific conferences, and prepare publications for peer-reviewed international scientific journals. Occasionally, you may also be asked to contribute to other tasks such as development of operational space weather forecasting or data products from FMI instrument measurements. If you have solid Finnish language skills and have gained sufficient experience in space weather, you will also have the opportunity to participate in on-call space weather services, for which you will receive an additional compensation.
The position is meant for a person who has completed, or is about to complete, their master’s degree, and who is interested in preparing a doctoral degree (PhD) in space physics.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field like physics, theoretical physics, astronomy, space science and technology, mathematics, or geophysics
• Good programming and computer skills
• Good spoken and written English
• Willingness for international collaboration and participation in international meetings
Other desirable qualifications
• Familiarity with space physics phenomena through, for example, studies or research
• Experience in analysing geophysical observations from satellite and/or ground-based instruments
• Experience in coding in Python
• Interest in citizen science
• Willingness to carry out possible research visits in collaborating institutes abroad for periods of several weeks
- English
- Speaking: Good
- Writing: Good
- Understanding: Good
The Space Weather Group currently includes 19 researchers at various career stages. We support your work, for example, with modern facilities and computer equipment, an on-site lunch restaurant and a variety of cultural, sports, and well-being benefits. We offer flexible working hours, and partial remote work is possible.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute is also a family-friendly workplace that supports its employees in balancing work and private life. Employees are provided with comprehensive occupational healthcare and paid annual leave, which accrues according to the length of the employment relationship.
For further information, please contact the LOUARN project principal investigator, Maxime Grandin, maxime.grandin@fmi.fi, or tel. +358 50 470 1185. Inquiries are preferred by email.
Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.
The Registry of the The Finnish Meteorological Institute
P.O.BOX 503 (Erik Palménin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki) 00101 Helsinki
00560 Helsinki
The Finnish Meteorological Institute makes observations and research on the atmosphere, the near space and the seas. It also provides services on weather, sea, air quality, climate and near space for the needs of public safety, business life and citizens. The Finnish Meteorological Institute is an administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Location
Erik Palménin Aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki
You can work at one of our following locations
Erik Palménin aukio 1
00560 Helsinki
Other information of the position
If interested in applying for the position, please submit your cover letter, CV, list of publications (if any), and transcript of records of acquired and ongoing university degrees, together with the names and contact details of 1–3 references via the valtiolle.fi recruiting platform until 8 December 2025 at 14:00 EET (UTC+2). You may submit your documents in English or in Finnish. The interviews will be held from 11 to 18 December 2025.
