Researcher within computational space physics

At the Department of Physics and Technology there is a vacancy for a position as a researcher within computational space physics.

The first five years the position is financed by the ERC project “DynaMIT”.

About the project/work tasks:

The goal of the DynaMIT project is to understand and explain how Earth’s atmosphere is dynamically coupled to space. To achieve this, we will create a new simulation code based on a first-principles dynamic fluid description of the interaction between space plasma, the neutral atmosphere, and electromagnetic fields. We are seeking a skilled Lead Developer with a proven track record in developing dynamic fluid computational models, with expertise in numerical methods and computer programming. In addition, the candidate should have experience in developing high performance code, as well as designing modular and flexible software architecture. As the Lead Developer, you will work closely with the other developer and collaborate with the rest of the project team as well as national and international partners.

This is a unique opportunity to work on a challenging and cutting-edge project that will advance our understanding of how Earth’s atmosphere is coupled with space. If you are passionate about modelling and are committed to producing high-quality results, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within physics, scientific computing, applied and computational mathematics, or an equivalent field. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
Proven expertise in programming languages such as Fortran (preferred) or C / C++, in addition to Python, is a requirement.
The applicant must have strong knowledge of numerical methods for partial differential equations and with developing high performance code, including experience with parallel computing.
Experience in designing, testing, and debugging large-scale software for numerical modelling is a requirement.
Applicants must have excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Documented ability to attract external research funding is an advantage.
Leadership experience in collaborative software development is an advantage.
Experience from space physics and magnetohydrodynamics is an advantage.
Applicants must have excellent skills in oral and written English.

In assessing the candidates, a review of both the quality and the breadth of the candidate’s research will be conducted. Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized.

Special requirements for the position

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation may be applied in the processing of the applications.

The following premise forms the basis for the post as research scientist:

The researcher will be a member of the research group in which the subject area of the position belongs.
Salary expenses should as far as possible be 100 % externally financed.
The researcher will actively contribute to obtaining external project funding for the academic community, to both themselves and others, from The Research Council of Norway, the EU as well as other sources.
The research activity is expected to be funded by the projects the researcher and the research group, are working on.
The head of department may instruct the researcher to work towards specific research projects.
The researcher may partake in duties, participate in committees etc. within the UiB.
The researcher is normally not obliged to teach but is expected to partake in the supervision of masters and PhD students, to the extent that this is a natural part of the work in the research group.
The foundation for the position will no longer exist if project funding ceases, and the new law on Government employees etc. regarding termination of employment and preferential rights will be applied.

We can offer:

A good and professionally stimulating working environment.
position as researcher (code 1109 in the basic collective agreement) and a gross annual salary of NOK 573 900–626 300 (equivalent to pay grade 62–67) upon appointment. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well-qualified applicant. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
Good welfare benefits

Researchers code 1109 holding a permanent position, may apply for a personal promotion to Researcher code 1183 based on a declaration of competence. For more information, see Personal promotion to Researcher code 1183 | Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences | UiB

Your application must include:

A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme.
CV
Transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your PhD degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the doctoral thesis has been submitted.
Relevant certificates/references
List of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
Publications (as applicable), and links to software portfolio (for example GitHub profile)

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at JobbNorge

General information:

For further details about the position, please contact Karl Laundal, karl.laundal@uib.no, Department of Physics and Technology, +47 91 35 07 72.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.