PhD – Space Physics – Norway

The University of Bergen aims to be one of Europe’s leading universities, internationally recognised for the high quality of its research and teaching. As a social institution, we will contribute to sustainable and democratic development, and we will be an attractive and inclusive place to study and work.

The Department of Physics and Technologyis offering a PhD research post in Space Physics. The contract is for a fixed term of 3 years, with the possibility of a fourth year for activities that further your professional career (e.g. teaching within the Department). The position is subject to funding from the GRAIL project (‘Gamma-ray Atmospheric Research for Learning’), part of the Doctoral Network under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), funded by the Horizon Europe programme.

About the project:

The successful candidate will carry out a project entitled: ‘Innovative mission concepts for TGF observation from space following ASIM and ALOFT’. The aim is to study and develop detectors and mission concepts for novel atmospheric electricity experiments from space. The successful candidate will build upon the scientific exploitation of the ASIM mission aboard the International Space Station and the ALOFT flight campaign, contribute to identifying the scientific requirements for a space mission that surpasses the state of the art established by ASIM, and define a mission profile supported by a robust industrial feasibility study. We expect the results to be published in top-tier peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at prestigious international conferences.

Requirements:

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in physics. Master’s students may apply provided they have completed their Master’s examination by 1 August 2026. Obtaining the Master’s degree is an essential requirement for appointment.
• Documented experience or expertise in radiation detectors (design, construction, operation or data analysis) is an essential requirement.
• General knowledge of programming languages geared towards the analysis and visualisation of scientific data is an essential requirement.
• Documented general knowledge of the near-Earth space environment, atmospheric physics or lightning physics will be regarded as an advantage.
• Documented general knowledge of the design and engineering of space systems will be viewed favourably.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and demonstrate good teamwork skills.
• Applicants must have good written and spoken English skills.

Benefits:

• A good and stimulating working environment from a professional perspective.
• Salary as a PhD researcher (code 1017) in accordance with the state pay scale. This equates to a gross annual salary of €51,073.17. Salary increases are based on length of service in the post.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Goodsocial benefits

Organisation/company: University of Bergen

Research field: Department of Physics and Technology

Research profile: Early-career researcher (R1).

Country: Norway

Application deadline: 24 May 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

For more information:Euraxess.