Postdoctoral Researcher of Data Analytics in Space Physics

The Department of Computing and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku are looking for a postdoctoral researcher of data analytics in space physics. The selected person will be employed by the Department of Computing. The position is full-time and fixed term, starting on November 1, 2025 (or later upon mutual agreement) and ending on August 31, 2029.

Job description

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Tapio Pahikkala (http://staff.cs.utu.fi/~aatapa/) and Dr. Nina Dresing (https://www.utu.fi/en/people/nina-gieseler) in their Research Council of Finland project AIPAD, which is an exciting, multidisciplinary project that merges spacecraft data with artificial intelligence (AI) to fill observational gaps and tackle longstanding questions on the sources of solar energetic particle (SEP) events. The project is a joint collaboration of Algorithmics and Computational Intelligence research group at the Department of Computing and Space Research Laboratory at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

AIPAD tackles the above questions by developing two innovative AI algorithms: 

  • The first algorithm will infer full SEP pitch-angle distributions (PADs) for spacecraft measurements that currently suffer from observation gaps. By filling the observation gaps, we obtain a database essential to disentangle source and transport processes of SEPs and shed light on the underlying SEP acceleration process.

  • The second AI algorithm will take these PADs, alongside various solar eruption data, to predict the energy spectra of SEP events as measured by spacecraft. These predictions will be directly compared with observations, offering a powerful way to test our theories. The combination of novel AI methods and broad statistical analyses will help us pinpoint the exact roles of solar flares and coronal shocks, which are considered the main drivers of SEP events.

AIPAD supports open science and will produce innovative datasets, event catalogs, and advanced AI algorithms for the scientific community, facilitating numerous future studies.

What we offer: 

  • A high-quality research environment, where experienced supervisors and colleagues working on multiple research projects on data analytics can support your growth as a researcher
  • Opportunity to develop state-of-the-art data analysis solutions that can have real impact on the fields of data analytics in general and space research in particular
  • The prospects to build an international research career within our collaboration network, with opportunities for research visits provided. 
  • A working culture, where team members are treated as equals and open discussion is encouraged. 
  • Opportunities to pursue your own ideas and participate in other interesting side projects.
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Who we are looking for

The following are required in the position:

  • A doctoral degree in a computationally oriented field relevant to the project, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics or physical sciences. 
  • Expertise in machine learning based and statistical data analysis, including the capability to implement data analytics workflows and algorithms using scientific programming languages (preferably Python but others like R, Julia or Rust can also do).
  • Ability to cooperate with a multidisciplinary research team.

The following are considered as advantage:

  • Any previous experience in working with spacecraft data.
  • Deep knowledge of AI methods (esp. machine learning based) and their performance estimation.
  • Experience with the use of Unix or Linux command line and Git repositories.
  • Good quality publications in the area of computational sciences.

Qualification requirements 

The qualification requirements for the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: rules-of-procedure.pdf. 

A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills.  

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.   

For a postdoctoral researcher (OV5-OV6), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3600–3900 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.  

The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.   

A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is September 25, 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applications should be in English and include the following documents in pdf format:

  • Letter of motivation
  • CV
  • Publication list
  • Copies of degree certificates in English or in Finnish
  • Research statement
  • Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available)

 

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Nina Dresing, nina.dresing@utu.fi or Prof. Tapio Pahikkala, tapio.pahikkala@utu.fi.

Regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Nina Reini, nina.reini@utu.fi

Department of Computing

The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology. 

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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