Doctoral Researcher for studying the formation of plant cell wall structures
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher to work in a highly multidisciplinary project related to the structure formation of wood and plant cell walls. The research is part of the Ascending Investigator Grant project FibForm (Novo Nordisk Foundation), which investigates the formation of cellulose microfibril structures and the role of hemicelluloses in it.
The task of the Doctoral Researcher is to prepare and characterize biomimetic composite materials of bacterial cellulose and hemicelluloses, which are produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in the presence of hemicelluloses. The characterization methods would be (but not limited to) advanced microscopy and X-ray scattering methods. The aim is to investigate how different hemicelluloses affect the structure of the bacterial cellulose microfibrils and how this could be related to a similar process taking place in the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The research topic lies at a crossing point of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering, and represents basic research with potential influences across different fields and applications.
The person will be working in the Multiscale Materials Characterization group at the Department of Physics and Nanoscience Center of the University of Jyväskylä, under the supervision of Associate Professor Paavo Penttilä and senior researcher Alka Gupta. The research is conducted as part of a multidisciplinary team, including experts in characterization methods and molecular modelling, and with the support of national and international collaborators.
The positions will start as soon as possible and will be for a fixed-term of 3,5 years.
Who we are looking for
The selected candidate is expected to have basic (bio)chemistry laboratory skills. In addition, experience on cellulose/polysaccharides, advanced microscopy methods (TEM, SEM, HIM, AFM), X-ray scattering (XRD/WAXS, SAXS), and computational data analysis (Python) are considered advantages.
Please indicate clearly in your cover letter why you are interested in the position, and elaborate on your relevant skills and experience for the project and express which field(s) you would like to develop in. The role also includes writing and publishing high-quality research articles, teamwork, collaboration, and teaching.
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.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must successfully apply for 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 Science.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
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 free-form 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).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by February 2, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Paavo Penttilä, paavo.a.penttila@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. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, 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 Center 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-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and well-being for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
