1-3 Doctoral Researchers in Nuclear Astrophysics
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit up to three (1-3) Doctoral Researchers in nuclear astrophysics, starting in September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 3.5 years. The positions are fixed term, as they are expected to lead to the completion of the doctoral thesis.
The research in these positions will be carried out in newly established Center of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics (https://neutronstars.fi), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The CoE status provides us long-term funding, strong connections to related Finnish and international research groups, and resources for research visits and conference travel.
Who should apply
The successful candidate will join our research group working on various aspects related to nuclear structure and dense matter relevant to astrophysical phenomena. Depending on the candidate, the research tasks will focus either experimental, theoretical, or astrophysical modelling work.
Qualifications
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field
Strong background in nuclear physics, in quantum mechanics, or experimental techniques
Interest in computational methods and programming and in theoretical or experimental research
Good communication skills and motivation for collaborative research.
Preferred Skills
Familiarity with nuclear structure theory, astrophysical modeling, or experimental nuclear physics techniques
Experience with numerical modeling and programming (e.g., Python, C++, Fortran).
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences.
Benefits
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
- A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position
- Degree certificate (highest degree)
- Contact details for at least two references.
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by May 25, 2026.
For further information, please contact Prof. Anu Kankainen (anu.kankainen@jyu.fi) and Prof. Markus Kortelainen (markus.kortelainen@jyu.fi).
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.
Department of Physics
The primary areas of research at the Department of Physics are materials physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. In materials physics, the core research fields are the physics of nanomaterials and thin films, quantum matter and quantum technologies, light-matter interaction and physics and chemistry of nanoparticles. Nuclear physics concentrates on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and applied accelerator-based research, and particle physics on the physics of the strong interaction and ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, particle cosmology and neutrino physics. Starting January 2026, the Department hosts three Finnish Centre of Excellences (CoEs) funded by the Research Council of Finland: CoE in Quark Matter, CoE in Quantum Materials, and CoE in Neutron-Star Physics. Experimental research at the Department is conducted in the Accelerator Laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center (NSC) and in foreign research centers, such as CERN and FAIR.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
You cannot save your application as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete the application before the time limit expires. Once you have submitted your application, you can make changes at any time before the deadline using the link we will send to your email.
