Position as postdoctoral research fellow (SKO 1352) in Plasma- and Space Physics is available at the Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Norway
The announced position is associated with the group of plasma- and space physics and their STAR-initiative
("Space Technology And Research development centre") for a fixed period
of 2 years. STAR combines efforts between the Plasma and space physics
group and the Electronics group within Department of Physics. The main
aim of STAR is to achieve full scale integrated collaboration between
space plasma theory and experimental activities in order to implement
the next generation space experiments. STAR has a leading
instrumentation group, with specific expertise in instrumentation for
kinetic scale physics (microphysics) observations. STAR is in charge of a
sounding rocket program that takes advantage of the research
infrastructure in Svalbard (optics, radars, GNSS scintillations) to
study plasma waves, instability processes and turbulence in the F-region
cusp/polar cap ionosphere. STAR also contributes to magnetospheric and
planetary missions.
We are searching for a physicist with
a numerical modelling background, to calculate scintillations in GNSS
signals due to in-situ observed F-region plasma irregularities by
sounding rockets.
Project description
The
STAR group developed a novel Langmuir probe system for the
Investigation of Cusp Irregularities (ICI) series of rockets, to
measure absolute electron densities down to meter scales. The
instrument is miniaturized and will also be used on several cubesat
missions to be in orbit in 2014-2015 (CubeSTAR and QB50). The main
goal of the current project is to verify that real time measurements of
F-region plasma structure irregularities may lead to determinations of
the resulting position uncertainties for the GNSS users on ground. The
main part of the project will be to develop a software model to
calculate the amplitude and phase fluctuations in the received radio
signals on ground, based on the rocket observations of F-region
irregularities. During the project period we will have two rocket
flights to test the predictions from the model with GNSS ranging errors
observed on ground.
Requirements
Applicants
must have a Ph.D. in physics or equivalent experience in a relevant
area (e.g. radio science, scientific use of GNSS receiver systems,
classical theoretical background on wave propagation in an inhomogeneous
medium, experience in phase screen techniques, or other relevant
experience). The candidate must have demonstrated strong programming
skills for advanced data analysis and visualization techniques. A good command of English is required.
The successful candidate should
write a brief description of how he/she will attack the specific
project, and also document that she/he does have the necessary
competence to successfully develop the actual model tool.
The main purpose of post-doctoral
research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic
positions within their disciplines. No one can be appointed for more
than one specified period at the same institution. Please also refer to
the regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment for post-doctoral fellowship positions.
Salary
Position code 1352, paygrade: 57 – 65 (NOK 468 400 – 542 900 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority).
The application must include
- Application letter
- CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
- A complete list of published and unpublished works, including up to 5 academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications with documents missing will not be considered further. Original documentation may be requested.
An expert committee will evaluate
the applications. Information and materials that should be considered
by the committee must be submitted within the deadline. Applicants may
be called in for interview.
In accordance with the University of
Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all
interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.
Application Deadline: 14 March 2013
Apply online: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/929700/64282?iso=no
Application Deadline : 14 March 2013
