Post-doctoral researcher position in Space Physics

About the department 

The department of Arctic Geophysics at UNIS is seeking candidates for a full time post-doctoral researcher position in space physics. Currently the department constitutes 5 professors, 3 associate professors, 2 researchers, 4 PhD students, 2 technicians and 8 Adjunct Professors (20% position). The research within the department is focused into two groups: sea-ice-snow-air processes and Space Physics. The Space Physics group owns and operates a world-class optical auroral observatory, the Kjell Henriksen Observatory, which is located 30 minutes' drive from UNIS.

About the position and project

The post-doctoral employment contract is for four years. This is an externally funded project where most of the work is planned to be led by the post-doctoral researcher. The successful candidate will work tightly together with the UNIS GHOST team, as well as with a team of international collaborators.

The project GHOST Aurora: Solar Wind Drivers, Auroral Activity & Satellite Risks aims at building a solid understanding of the global conditions required for auroral continuum emission, or the GHOST aurora, to occur. This includes both conditions in the ionosphere, magnetic activity conditions as well as the solar wind driving. The project will further include investigations on the ionospheric/thermospheric heating processes observed during the GHOST aurora, the extent of the heating and the potential consequences of the observed level of heating and expansion of the thermosphere. 

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of the auroral ionosphere and neutral thermosphere, good data analysis and programming skills
• Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a field of space physics by the date of employment
• Skills in ground-based auroral observations from various type of measurements, as well as knowledge on auroral spectroscopy are necessary
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English
• Good problem-solving skills and overall positive and flexible attitude are important in the Arctic environment
• Applicants must be able to work independently in a structured manner, yet function well in collaboration with an international team

Preferred knowledge and skills 

• Experience in global collaboration and space weather studies is of great advantage
• Leadership or management experience is advantageous
• Experience in living and working in polar regions is advantageous
• A valid driver’s license can be an advantage

Vi tilbyr

UNIS offers a challenging and varied job in an exciting, pleasant, and international environment. As an employee, you will be a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), which provides one of the best pension schemes on the market. We also offer excellent insurance schemes, coverage of travel and relocation expenses upon starting the position, and staff housing in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code Postdoctor (code 1352). In addition to the base salary, a Svalbard allowance of NOK 42,840 per annum is provided. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8 %, and a national insurance contribution of 7.7 % is also deducted

Application

Inquiries about this position may be directed to:

Prof. Noora Partamies, email: noora.partamies@unis.no

Researcher Katie Herlingshaw, email: katieh@unis.no

Please apply online on www.jobbnorge.no

• Motivation/cover letter (max. 1 page) to state applicants scientific and personal interest in this position
• Full academic CV
• Transcript and diploma of a PhD degree (or a confirmation of a planned defense)
• A research plan (max. 1 page) to outline key ideas and approaches to start the project with
• A name and contact information for at least 2 referees

Deadline for applications is 29 October 2025.

It is possible to request that your name/application be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven) § 25. The request must be justified. Please note that if the request is not granted, the applicant will be contacted and given the opportunity to withdraw the application.

 

One of UNIS’ values is inclusion. We are committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment in the high Arctic. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or other characteristics.

A committee appointed by the Managing director of UNIS will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and invite the highest ranked person(s) for an interview. The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the recommendation from the committee.

Workplace

Forskningsparken

Pb. 156 9171 Longyearbyen (Svalbard kommune)