Postdoctoral Researcher in Astroinformatics

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, AI Robotic systems, AI technology, Computer Vision (CV), Machine learning techniques, Mathematics, Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, Statistics

Job Description

The Department of Computer Science is now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Astroinformatics

Are you passionate about extracting knowledge from large and complex data sets using data analysis methods requiring and combining high-performance computing resources and machine learning, with the ultimate goal to mitigate risks from natural hazards to the modern society? The current goal of our research group is to predict the emergence of solar active regions, the source of hazardous space weather events, using more than two decades of observational data of solar internal oscillations, combined with state-of-the-art numerical simulations of turbulent convection, with the help of machine learning techniques.

We have recently developed a proof-of-concept data analysis pipeline, that has already shown to deliver unprecedented new discoveries about the sub-surface magnetism of the Sun. The goal of this postdoctoral project is to extend this pipeline to a prediction tool that can detect active regions even a few days ahead of their emergence.

Your role and goals

The tasks of the postdoctoral researcher include the extension of the proof-of-concept data analysis pipeline to a tool to predict the emergence of active regions in the Sun, based on observational data and numerical simulation outcomes. The goal is a real-time forecasting tool that is enabling early alerts of potentially hazardous space weather events originating from the Sun.

In addition to research work, persons hired are expected to participate in teaching following the standard practices at the department. Our group contributes especially to the teaching in the “Big data and large-scale computing track of the departments’ Master program.

Your network and team

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in the recently established astroinformatics research group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-computer-science/astroinformatics), currently supported through two ERC grants (UniSDyn ERC CoG and SYCOS ERC PoC). The hired postdoc will join a vibrant and multidisciplinary community of data scientists, high-performance computing (HPC) specialists, and solar physicists, embedded in an international network of experts in all relevant domains. The candidate will have access and will use the state-of-the-art HPC facilities required in the project, such as LUMI, the 3rd most powerful supercomputer in the world.

Your experience and background

Astroinformatics is a newly emerging field of science, hence there is no clear definition of “an astroinformatician – you can contribute yourself to shaping it. We are looking for excellent candidates, preferentially having a Ph.D. degree in computer science, and a specialization in data science and machine learning. Excellent candidates with a PhD degree in astronomy/astrophysics, with a significant further education and expertise in machine learning and data science, will be considered equally. Knowledge and experience in HPC are a strong bonus, but not strict requirements. Good communication and teamwork skills are highly valued. If you feel motivated by big challenges, this position is for you!

What we offer

We offer a postdoctoral fellowship for two years, starting on the 1st of February, 2023, with a possible extension of up to three more years. During the first two years the candidate is expected to work for the UniSDyn and SYCOS projects’ objectives, and during the possible extension, for the general objective of building ecosystems for demanding data analysis tasks, both from observations and simulations, in HPC environments. 

Starting salary is in the range 3809,23 – 3979,64 euros depending on the candidate’s experience. If the candidate has more than five years of highly relevant experience, a higher starting salary may be negotiated. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational health benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The annual total workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1 612 hours. The position is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page (Apply Now).

(1) Letter of motivation (including information on the above listed requirements for the position)

(2) CV including list of publications

(3) Degree certificates and academic transcripts

(4) Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available)

The deadline for applications is 15.12.2022. Note that we are interviewing applicants already during the application period. The position will be filled, as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so if you are interested, apply as soon as possible. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

Further information:

• Professor Maarit Korpi-Lagg, e-mail maarit.korpi-lagg@aalto.fi (research related information)
• HR Generalist, Maaria Ilanko, e-mail firstname.lastname@aalto.fi (recruitment process)

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People, and Shaping a Sustainable Future. And this webpage about Aalto and Finland. https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package