Description

The Swedish Institute for Space Physics (IRF) is looking for a researcher for a permanent position as scientific director of IRF's network of ionosondes. IRF has ionosondes located in Uppsala, Lycksele and Kiruna. The systems are based on software-defined radio and allow flexible development possibilities. Technology development for high-resolution automated determination of ionospheric parameters using machine learning is ongoing within a Nordic collaboration, which offers interesting opportunities for both further technology development and research. The ionosonde registrations are a project within IRF's long-term observatory activity, Kiruna Atmospheric and Geophysical Observatory (KAGO). The main mission of the observatory is to provide and archive long unbroken time series of measurement and registration activities, mainly in the field of space physics. Discussions are ongoing with the European Space Agency (ESA) to make IRF ionosonde data available within the ESA Expert Service Center Ionospheric Weather.

Duties

You are expected to conduct research both independently and together with colleagues and in international collaborations, where you will have access to data from, for example, optical instruments and the EISCAT radar system. Research on the role of the ionosphere in space weather, through interactions with both the magnetosphere and the atmosphere, is of particular interest. You will be responsible for the part of the KAGO budget related to ionospheric probes. You will work closely with KAGO's research engineers to maintain and further develop the systems. The tasks also include applying for external research funding and supervising PhD students, students and postdocs. You will be part of a dynamic group of scientists and engineers at IRF who use unique measurement systems to study space weather and ionospheric physics, meteors and space objects, as well as atmospheric dynamics and Arctic high-altitude clouds.

The tasks include, but are not limited to:

• research and development of measurement methods with ionospheric probes and radar systems;
• scientific operation of ionospheric probes;
• analysis of scientific data;
• publication of research papers.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a PhD in space physics, radio science, or in a related field deemed equivalent by the employer. Good general knowledge of space physics and radio science measurement methods is required. Proven experience in machine learning, signal analysis, project management and radar observations is an advantage. Applicants should be able to work both independently and in a team. As we have extensive international collaborations, good cooperation and social skills are required. Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is a requirement and Swedish language skills are an advantage.

Terms and conditions

The position is a permanent position and located at IRF's headquarters in Kiruna. IRF applies individual salary setting. Start in January 2026 or as agreed.

What we offer

We offer a workplace with flexible working hours, up to seven weeks of vacation per year, well-developed occupational health care with wellness activities, wellness allowance and access to a gym at the workplace.

Equality, equal opportunities and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace. We work with integrated gender equality, which means that gender equality aspects are taken into account in daily work and in all decision-making processes.

The application should include

The application should include a CV and a list of publications where the publications most relevant to the position are highlighted, a cover letter (max one page) describing research interests and relevant experience, and contact information for two professional references.