We are looking for a PhD student with a background in geodesy, geophysics, geosciences or related discipline to join the Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics (GEOGEO) of the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute for a fixed-term position from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2030, or according to agreement.

The chosen candidate will join the Reference Systems research group of the GEOGEO department, and the research will be part of the Research Council of Finland funded GraFePor project. The project will do a full-scale investigation of the gravity changes related to the Fennoscandian Postglacial rebound (PGR). This includes analysis of terrestrial absolute gravity data and satellite gravity data as well as modelling of the Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) to get new insides in the geophysical mechanisms behind the Fennoscandian PGR. The outcome of the project will be a fully integrated state-of-the-art Fennoscandian gravity change rate model based on absolute and satellite gravity time series and a GIA model. By the end of the project the developed method will also be applied to the North American PGR area.

You will
- plan and conduct absolute gravity measurements in Finland and abroad
- process, analyze and report absolute gravity and related data
- study the effect of non-GIA related mass variations on terrestrial and satellite gravity time series
- analyze and model the postglacial rebound effect on gravity using absolute gravity and satellite gravity data and a GIA model
- actively collaborate within the GraFePor-consortium and with international collaborators
- present results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed international journals.
Read more about FGI (https://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/research ) and what it’s like to work here https://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/tyopaikat/toihin-paikkatietokeskukseen

We require applicants to have a higher university degree in the field of research. The candidate should have a Master’s degree in geophysics, geosciences or related discipline.

In particular we are looking for:
- Excellent programming skills
- Scientific writing skills
- Experience with terrestrial and/or satellite gravimetry (measurements, processing, modelling) is an advantage
- Understanding of geodetic data analysis and geophysical processes is an asset
- Good cooperation skills, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to communicate and cooperate with international collaborators.
- Fluent English skills. Good Finnish or Swedish skills are a plus
- Willingness to do field work in Finland and elsewhere in the Fennoscandian postglacial rebound area with a duration of 1 to 4 weeks per trip
- Driving license

We offer a flexible and responsible employer that supports the development of your knowledge and expertise and helps you balance work and free time. At the National Land Survey, we trust our employees, and we value workplace wellbeing.

The person selected for the position might need to undergo standard security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Mirjam Bilker-Koivula (available: 1.-3.7. and 27.-31.7.)
Research Group Manager, Dr
mirjam.bilker-koivula@maanmittauslaitos.fi
+358 50 564 1400

The Registry the National Land Survey of Finland

P.O. BOX 84
00521 Helsinki

The National Land Survey produces information, services and research about the Earth. We perform cadastral surveys, maintain information about properties and dwellings, handle registrations of title and mortgages, produce map data and conduct spatial data research.

We know the Earth – we secure the future. Through our activities, we secure stability in society with reliable ownership data and strengthen overall security through reliable positioning and geospatial data. We have an active impact through research and data. We promote digitalization and develop our services together with our customers and partners. We operate responsibly taking into account the environment, the wellbeing of people, and sustainable finances.

We are a great place to work. We do interesting, varied and societally meaningful work. Our employees value flexible working methods, multilocational work, and our organizational culture based on trust and cooperation.

The Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics is responsible for the scientific basis of the national geodetic reference frames for 3D coordinates, heights and gravity. We have modern geodetic infrastructure like a network of permanent GNSS stations and Metsähovi Geodetic Research Station having all major geodetic observing systems including absolute and superconducting gravimeters. We are also the National Standards laboratory for geodetic Length and Acceleration of Free Fall. We do innovative research in this framework in numerous externally funded research projects. The department has two research groups: Reference Systems and Space Geodesy. The Reference Systems research group conducts research related to coordinate, height and gravity reference frames, transformations, international connections, geoid modelling and metrology.

• More information: The application can be written in Finnish, Swedish, or English, and it must be accompanied by a motivation letter, a CV, possible list of publications, and any other attachments that the applicant wishes to be taken into account in the selection process.
  
  The person appointed to the position/task may be required to present a drug test certificate in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life (759/2004).
• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
• Description of the remote work: Possibility for partial remote work.
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Additional info about fixed-term employment: Project
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Working time format explanation: Flexible
• Trial period: 6 moths.
• Remuneration information: Salary will be based on requirement levels 8 (EUR 2821,15) to 10 (EUR 3510,78) of the NLS salary system, depending on the applicant’s degree and experience, plus a salary component based on personal performance, which may be a maximum of 45%. The final salary will be determined according to the person’s experience and expertise.