INSTITUTET FÖR RYMDFYSIK
The Institute for Space Physics (IRF) is seeking a researcher for a permanent position as the scientific lead for IRF’s network of ionosondes. IRF has ionosondes located in Uppsala, Lycksele, and Kiruna. The systems are based on software-defined radio and allow for flexible development opportunities. Ongoing technological development for high-resolution automated determination of ionospheric parameters using machine learning is part of a Nordic collaboration, which offers exciting opportunities for both continued technology advancement and research. The ionosonde registrations are part of IRF’s long-term observatory operations, the Kiruna Atmospheric and Geophysical Observatory (KAGO). The main mission of the observatory operations is to provide and archive long, uninterrupted time series of measurement and registration activities primarily within the field of space physics. Discussions are ongoing with the European Space Agency (ESA) to make IRF’s ionosonde data available within the ESA Expert Service Center Ionospheric Weather.
You are expected to conduct research both independently and in collaboration with colleagues and international partners, with access to data from optical instruments and the EISCAT radar system. Research concerning the role of the ionosphere in space weather, through interactions with both the magnetosphere and the atmosphere, is particularly interesting. You will be responsible for the part of KAGO’s budget related to ionosondes. You will work closely with KAGO’s research engineers to maintain and further develop the systems. Additional responsibilities include applying for external research funding and supervising PhD students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. You will be part of a dynamic group of researchers and engineers at IRF studying space weather and ionospheric physics, meteors and space objects, as well as atmosphere dynamics and Arctic high-altitude clouds with unique measurement systems.
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Applicants should hold a PhD in space physics, radio science, or in a related field that the employer deems equivalent. A good general knowledge in space physics and radio measurement methods is required. Documented experience in machine learning, signal analysis, project management, and radar observations is advantageous. Applicants should be capable of working both independently and collaboratively. As we have extensive international collaborations, good teamwork skills and social competence are essential. A good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is required, and knowledge of Swedish is considered a merit.
The position is a permanent employment located at IRF’s headquarters in Kiruna. IRF implements individual salary setting. The start date is January 2026 or by agreement.
We offer a workplace with flexible working hours, up to seven weeks of vacation per year, well-developed occupational healthcare with wellness activities, wellness benefits, and access to a gym at the workplace.
Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles at our workplace. We work with integrated equality, meaning that equality aspects are considered in daily operations and in all decision-making processes.
The application should include a CV and a publication list highlighting the most relevant publications for the position, a personal letter (maximum one page) describing research interests and relevant experience, as well as contact information for two professional references.