Doctoral Researcher in nanoscience and quantum materials
We are seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher who will focus on research in nanoscience and quantum materials with the use of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), van der waals stacking. The doctoral researcher will join to the synthetic quantum materials Group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will start on October 1, .2025, or as soon as possible after that for a maximum of 3,5 years.
As part of our research team, you will contribute to research in nanostructured quantum materials including topological matter, 2D atomic layers, and other atomic structures that exhibit exotic electronic and magnetic behaviors. Your work in experimental science will employ a cryogenic STM to manipulate atomic/molecular structures and study low-energy excitations in various 2D heterostructures. The involved STM platforms include 1K-STM under an external magnetic field up to 8T and 4K-STM combined with optical spectroscopy which allows you to perform STM-induced luminescence and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy down angstrom spatial resolution.
In this position you will:
- work as part of a team conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum materials
- conduct experimental research in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) cryogenic STM for characterization and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the growth of low-dimensional materials and interfaces
- manage and operate state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopes
- perform data analysis and interpretation.
- work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
- present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
Who we are looking for
Qualifications:
- A Master's degree in physics or a related field and a thesis written on an experimental topic. Priority will be given to applicants with SPM, cryogenic, and/or UHV experience.
- A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
- You are expected to carry out experiments, both independently and in a team.
- You are expected to learn to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.
- You will operate UHV-SPM and MBE facilities, and perform high-precision spectroscopic measurements.
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. If the applicant does not have permission for post-graduate studies, it must be applied with a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.
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 Lake District having excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The City of Jyväskylä is a major educational center with a large student population and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For more information regarding 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.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included 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 and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters.
- 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).
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by September 14, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further details, please contact Assistant Professor Kezilebieke Shawulienu, kezilebieke.a.shawulienu@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. The department hosts an Academy of Finland Center of Excellence in Quark Matter. 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.
