BeskrivelseAbout the positionThe department of Arctic Geophysics at UNIS is seeking candidates for a full time, four-year position as a PhD candidate in space physics. Currently the department constitutes 6 professors, 4 associate professors, 1 post-doctoral research fellow, 4 PhD students, 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 vacant position is part of a new 4-year research project funded by the Norwegian Research Council. This project focuses on investigating the characteristics of exciting new aurora-like features called fragments, or Fragmented Aurora-like Emissions (FAEs) in the scientific literature, that were discovered above Svalbard in 2021. The fragments are km-scale green structures that can appear alone or in a chain and are not caused by particle precipitation, so are not aurora in the classical sense.The origin of the fragments is currently unknown, but it is suspected to be a type of wave or instability. The PhD candidate will be involved in characterizing the dynamics and fine-scale structure of the fragments, as well as comparing them to other similar recently discovered aurora-like structures called ‘streaks’ that appear at lower latitudes. The Space Physics group at UNIS owns and operates a world-class optical auroral observatory, the Kjell Henriksen Observatory, which is located 30 minutes' drive from UNIS. The PhD candidate will use instrumentation from the observatory in the project and will also become a member of the observatory crew, which involves contributing to the operation of the observatory.The PhD candidate will also become part of an International Space Science Institute team that is focused on involving citizen scientists, especially photographers, in research on poorly understood aurora-like features. It is therefore a benefit if the PhD candidate is interested in science outreach and communicating with the public in Svalbard. The PhD candidate will also hold a 25% teaching role, so will be involved in lecturing and fieldwork in some of the Space Physics courses.Qualifications and personal qualities The following evaluation criteria are essential:An MSc degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate field. For example, space physics, plasma physics, or ionospheric physicsGood knowledge in physics and mathematicsPrevious experience in data analysisExcellent programming skills, preferably Python but acceptable in other languages Motivation and scientific interest in the projectFluency in English, both verbal and writtenAbility to work both independently and part of a teamThe following evaluation criteria are considered an advantage:Good knowledge about the ionosphere and magnetosphereEnthusiasm/experience in public outreachAuthorship/co-authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publicationsA driver’s licensePrevious experience in Svalbard or other high arctic regionsWe offer The PhD employment contract is for four years, of which, 25% is duties associated with teaching, research, fieldwork operations, and dissemination of results.The candidate must satisfy the enrolment requirements for the doctoral degree program at a Norwegian University. A plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty. The candidate is expected to complete relevant courses as part of the formal PhD training.All salaries are set in accordance with the Norwegian government’s University salary scale. As a permanent resident in Svalbard, an annual allowance of currently NOK 38 520,- (Svalbardtillegg) will be added to the salary. A Social Security contribution of 2%, to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, will be deducted from the salary. Income tax on Svalbard is 8%, plus 7.9% toward National Insurance coverage.Application/Inquiries about the positionApplicationPlease apply online on www.jobbnorge.noPlease include the following documents to the online application form: A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applyingA short research proposal (max 1 page) that outlines the research area, including research questions, research methods and hypothesized resultsThe names and contact information for two or more referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesisCV (including a complete overview of education, professional training and professional work)Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees, or official confirmation that the master's thesis has been submittedRelevant certificates/academic referencesA list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.Selection and appointmentA committee appointed by the 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.You can request to have your application kept from public access cf. the open files act § 25. The request must be justified. UNIS will determine if the application will be kept from public access or not, based on the explanation and the regulations from the open files act. If the application will not be accepted, the candidate will be contacted.Inquiries about this position may be directed to: Dr Katie Herlingshaw, phone: +47 90157998, email: katieh@unis.noLongyearbyenLongyearbyen is located on Svalbard, in the midst of a varied and beautiful Arctic nature with good opportunities for outdoor activities. Longyearbyen is a modern town with approx. 2500 inhabitants and has a good service offering including kindergartens, swimming/sports hall and a varied association, sports and cultural life.

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