Job description

A position as Researcher (SKO 1109) is available at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics

The position is connected to the project "ALMA – The key to the Sun’s coronal heating problem" (SolarALMA), which is funded with a Consolidator Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) and led by S. Wedemeyer. The aim of the SolarALMA project is to utilize the first regular observations of the Sun with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which promises significant steps towards understanding the outer layers of the solar atmosphere, and to further develop adequate techniques for processing and analysing solar ALMA observations. The chosen approach combines solar observations with ALMA and other ground-based and space-borne telescopes, novel diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art 3D numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere.

The preferred starting date is January 1st, 2020 but an alternative starting date can be negotiated. The position will terminate August 31, 2021, independent of the starting date.

For more information, see the project page:

http://www.mn.uio.no/astro/english/research/projects/solaralma/

The successful candidate will work on the following very specific tasks within the SolarALMA project:

• Overview and quality assessment of currently existing ALMA observations of the Sun and data from co-simultaneous observations (e.g., SST, IRIS, Hinode).
• Help with setting up the initial version of a database for post-processed observational ALMA data at RoCS.
• Preparatory study of the usage and potential of ALMA data for data inversions.

These tasks (and with it the offered position) are strictly limited to the project duration and cannot be extended beyond August 31, 2021.

More about the position

The team working with solar ALMA observations at the University of Oslo is an integral part of the Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics (RoCS), which is a centre of excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway and the University of Oslo. The primary goal of RoCS 10-year effort lies in understanding the workings of the energetic Sun by using a combination of numerical modelling and high quality observations taken at ground based and space based observatories.

The solar group/RoCS is led by Mats Carlsson and has an internationally leading competence in radiative transfer and radiative magnetohydrodynamics. Observationally, the group has access to the Swedish 1-meter Solar Telescope on La Palma, to ALMA, to several space based satellites such as NASA’s IRIS and SDO, JAXA’s Hinode and in the near future ESA’s Solar Orbiter. The group utilizes strongly local and national High-Performance Computing facilities.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in astrophysics, astronomy, space sciences or a related discipline. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.

We seek a candidate with substantial expertise in observational solar physics with at least three years of relevant work experience including the post-processing and analysis of observations, data inversions, and the handling of large data sets. Programming skills are an essential requirement. Experience with Python and IDL is considered an asset.

The candidate must be highly self-driven and able to take responsibility for her/his own work, including troubleshooting and acquiring additional skills required to reach the project goals while collaborating with the team.

A very good command of written and spoken English is mandatory.

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/regulations/proficiencyrequirements.html

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 583 900 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• up to 5 academic publications that the applicant wishes to be considered
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Sven Wedemeyer, e-mail: sven.wedemeyer@astro.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the application system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, +47 22 85 71 96, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio

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