1-2 Postdoctoral Researchers’, Senior Research Fellows’ or Project Researchers’ fixed term positions in the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku, Finland, invites applications for 1-2 Postdoctoral Researchers, Senior Research Fellows or Project Researchers in High-Energy Astrophysics at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Neutron-Star Physics (neutronstars.fi).

These are fixed-term positions with a preferred starting date in August 2026 (or as mutually agreed). The initial appointment is for two years, with the expectation of renewal up to a total of three years for Postdoctoral/Project Researcher positions and up to five years for Senior Research Fellows, contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Job descriptions

The selected researchers are expected to perform cutting-edge research on a topic that has strong synergy with the high-energy astrophysics research conducted in the CoE—particularly in the areas of accreting neutron stars and X-ray polarimetry of compact objects (see sites.utu.fi/hea). Expertise in accretion physics, general relativity, polarimetry, X-ray data analysis, MHD, radiation hydrodynamics, particle-in-cell or Monte Carlo methods will be considered an asset.

A successful Senior Research Fellow is expected to develop and lead an independent research program related to neutron-star physics, with strong synergy with the high-energy astrophysics research conducted at the host institute. Senior fellows are also expected to contribute to the teaching of advanced courses in the department.

The positions offer travel funds, opportunities to work with top physics students, and access to exceptional computing resources, including the LUMI supercomputer and the local computer cluster.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking applicants who are:

  • Highly motivated and able to work both independently and in a team
  • Interested in high-energy astrophysics and in particular neutron star physics

Positions are required to have:

  • the ability to conduct independent scientific work in astrophysics, and the teaching skills necessary for the senior position.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Researcher Fellows: doctoral degree in astrophysics, plasma physics, computational physics, or a related field
  • Project Researcher: higher university degree astrophysics, plasma physics, computational physics, or a related field

Senior Researcher Fellows are also required to have a proven track record of scientific research work.

The eligibility requirements for the positions must be met by the end of the application period.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

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Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

  • Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
  • Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
  • We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. 
  • An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the research personnel category. The salary consists of a demand-based component and a personal performance component. Depending on previous experience and skills: 

  • Senior Research Fellow: starting salary typically 4200-4900 e/month
  • Postdoctoral Researchers: starting salary typically 3200–4200 e/month
  • Project Researchers: starting salary typically 2500–3100 e/month

The salary is determined when the employment contract is drawn up. 
The positions are subject to a six (6) month trial period. 

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is January 15th 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki). Applications will be processed during the application period. 

Applications should include: 

  • CV (max. 2 pages) 
  • List of publications 
  • Research plan (maximum 3 pages)
    • summarizing past research achievements, outlining the planned research program, and for senior researchers including a brief funding plan describing how the applicant intends to establish and support their own group
  • Degree certificates 
  • Three reference letters to be sent by the referees directly to Juri Poutanen
  • Any other relevant documents 

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Juri Poutanen

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist: Saija Marjasto

(You can contact us by email. Personal addresses as firstname.lastname@utu.fi.)

 

Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Neutron-Star Physics

The CoE in Neutron-Star Physics unites experimental, theoretical, numerical, and observational expertise across astrophysics, plasma physics, and nuclear and particle physics. Its overarching goal is to establish a world-leading consortium at the forefront of modern neutron-star research. The CoE aims to advance understanding in several key areas:

  • Phases of matter in neutron-star cores, including dense-matter equation-of-state physics.
  • Plasma dynamics in neutron-star magnetospheres, covering both fundamental processes and observable signatures.
  • Accretion physics in X-ray pulsars and weakly magnetized neutron stars.
  • X-ray burst physics, from ignition conditions to burst propagation and radiation processes.
  • Heavy-element nucleosynthesis in neutron-star mergers, including multimessenger constraints.

By integrating diverse methodologies and expertise, the CoE seeks to deliver breakthroughs that will shape the future of neutron-star physics.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant scientific environment with active theoretical, observational, and computational research in high-energy astrophysics. Research will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Juri Poutanen (users.utu.fi/jurpou) and senior researchers Dr. Sergey Tsygankov and Dr. Alexandra Veledina. Collaboration within the CoE is strongly encouraged, including with the groups of Prof. Joonas Nättilä (plasma astrophysics, natj.github.io) and Prof. Aleksi Vuorinen (particle physics) at the University of Helsinki, as well as Prof. Anu Kankainen (experimental nuclear physics) and Prof. Markus Kortelainen (theoretical nuclear physics) at the University of Jyväskylä.

 

Department of Physics and Astronomy

The main research fields of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are material physics, quantum mechanics, and astronomy and space research. Physics and Astronomy are among the oldest disciplines at the University of Turku. Today the Department offers a rich curriculum supported by a broad research profile. The teaching covers experimental and theoretical physics as well as astrophysics and astronomy. High-quality basic research is accompanied by original and successful development of physical applications for industrial purposes.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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1-2 Postdoctoral Researchers’, Senior Research Fellows’ or Project Researchers’ fixed term positions in the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics

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