Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate), Atmospheric Sciences

The University of Helsinki is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. In addition to its 11 faculties, the University includes several independent institutes, some of which are jointly operated with other universities. Some 35,000 students are currently pursuing an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at the University of Helsinki.

Measured in number of students and teachers, the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki is the largest science faculty in Finland. There are some 6,000 students taking a basic degree. Out of them, some 1,000 are postgraduates. There are some 500 international students, and over 200 researchers and teachers from abroad.

We are now looking for a highly motivated and talented Doctoral researcher (PhD candidate) to join our atmospheric science team related to the CLOUD (Cosmics Leaving Outdoors Droplets) experiment. The host of the research is University of Helsinki, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth system Research (INAR). The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR ) is a multi- and interdisciplinary research unit based in physics, chemistry, meteorology, forest sciences, environmental sciences and social sciences in the University of Helsinki. INAR aims to strengthen the internationally leading, integrated multidisciplinary research and education environment for atmospheric and Earth system science and to feed in scientific results for the national and international environment and climate policy. It performs multiscale research from molecular to global scale and focuses on climate change, air quality, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem processes.

Description

In the framework of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network CLOUD-DOC, we are now recruiting a Doctoral Researcher, who will be part of a network of 12 PhD candidates enrolled in a European network of academic and private institutions. The researcher will be employed for 36 months at the University of Helsinki, Finland and conduct their PhD studies in the Doctoral Programme in Atmospheric Sciences. The scientific objectives of CLOUD-DOC are to investigate the formation of aerosol particles under precisely controlled conditions that closely simulate the atmosphere. This process is of high importance for the formation of cloud condensation nuclei, which lead to cloud formation and therefore impact the climate.

For the investigation of these topics, the PhD candidates of the CLOUD-DOC network will work together at the CLOUD chamber at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, for ca. 6-8 weeks per year to perform dedicated experiments at the facility. The PhD project objective is to elucidate the mechanisms of new particle formation and growth in various atmospheric environments, especially the Arctic. You will perform dedicated experiments at the atmospheric simulation chamber at CERN within this broad international collaboration using state-of-the-art particle counters and mass spectrometers. The work includes laboratory experiments, instrument testing/development and data analysis.

Training Programme: In addition to the training provided by the Doctoral Programme in Atmospheric Sciences at University of Helsinki, the PhD candidate will take part in an extensive training programme organized by the participating institutes of CLOUD-DOC. This includes two summer schools and two research visits (secondments) to partner institutions. The training prepares the researcher for various career prospects inside and outside academia, e.g. as independent researcher or expert in public or private sectors, industry or academia.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

• M.Sc. in a suitable field, such as atmospheric science, physics, chemistry, meteorology or equivalent. Preference is given to candidates with experience in atmospheric science and working with complicated instrumentation (particle counters, mass spectrometers or similar).
• Demonstrated capacity in problem solving and data analysis
• Experience in carrying out research independently and working in a team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Good time management and project management skills.

The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents . The researcher must not be already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

Mobility Rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our recruitment system on 5 August 2022 at the latest. The starting date of the positions is earliest on 1 Sep 2022, or as agreed. Questions of the positions should be addressed to Associate Professor Katrianne Lehtipalo ([email protected] ).

Research Fields

Atmospheric science

Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 years (Post graduate)

Research Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Benefits

The position is full time and funded for three years. The salary is competitive and complies with the MSCA Work programme, consisting of living allowance and mobility allowance, after compulsory deductions. A conditional Family allowance can be added to the salary. The salary is taxable income in Finland.