We are seeking for a motivated PhD student to work on the modelling of Mercury's space weather in a BepiColombo related project. The position is located in Kumpula campus, Helsinki, Finland.
Your work will involve studying Hermean space weather using our team's numerical simulation tools and observations on the BepiColombo mission. Alternatively, depending on your skills and interests, you may focus on developing computational methods for our supercomputer applications.
The position is part of the Mercury in the solar wind (MEOW) project (https://planets.fmi.fi/
In addition to research activities, the position includes doctoral studies, preparing publications for international peer-reviewed journals, and the completion of a doctoral degree under the guidance of our expert team.
We are seeking for a motivated PhD student to work on the modelling of Mercury's space weather in a BepiColombo related project. The position is located in Kumpula campus, Helsinki, Finland.
Your work will involve studying Hermean space weather using our team's numerical simulation tools and observations on the BepiColombo mission.
The position is part of the Mercury in the solar wind (MEOW) project (https://planets.fmi.fi/
In addition to research activities, the position includes doctoral studies, preparing publications for international peer-reviewed journals, and the completion of a doctoral degree under the guidance of our expert team.
We are looking for a person who has completed, or is close to completing, a Master’s degree and who is interested in space physics and solar system research. We expect from the applicant:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field for the position such as physics, theoretical physics, astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, or computer science
• Good computer skills
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• Familiarity with scientific writing
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Admission to a university doctoral programme
• Motivation to successfully complete a doctoral degree
• Willingness to travel
Other qualifications regarded as assets
• Studies in electrodynamics or numerical methods in physics
• Knowledge of plasma or space physics
• Programming skills in Python or C++
• Experience in developing or using computational models
• Experience with high-performance computing
• Familiarity with Git version control
• Finnish language skills
- English
- Speaking: Good
- Writing: Good
- Understanding: Good
You will join our ERC team, where you will take part in international space physics research and the BepiColombo mission, while applying the latest computational methods in the field. Joining us offers you the opportunity to develop your expertise within a diverse and inspiring community of experts and to receive guidance from leading researchers in the field.
We support your work, for example, with modern facilities and computer equipment, excellent occupational health services, 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.
For further information about the position, contact the ERC project principal investigator Riku Järvinen, riku.jarvinen@fmi , or tel. +358 29 539 4681. 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
Submit your application through valtiolle.fi recruitment system by November 10th, 2025 at 2 p.m. (EET) . Attach to your application a short and free-form motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, your most recent degree certificate and transcript of records, as well as the contact details of 1–3 referees.
You can leave your application in English or Finnish. In your motivation letter (max. 2 pages), describe why you are applying, how your background supports your ability to succeed in the role, and your research interests and career plans. We recommend that your curriculum vitae be prepared in accordance with the responsible conduct of research (see the recommendation of The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae ).
