Doctoral Researchers (PhD students), Physics or Chemistry
We are seeking Doctoral Researchers for the project DYNANOINT, funded by the European Research Council and supervised by Professor Hannu Häkkinen in the research group Computational Nanoscience at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The positions will start on the 2nd January 2025, or as agreed, for a fixed term of 4 years.
The DYNANOINT project aims to understand dynamical properties of interfaces between nanometer-size metal clusters and biomolecules for developing applications of metal nanoclusters in bioimaging, biosensing and nanomedicine. In order to reach the goals, the project develops new multiscale simulation strategies, assessing critically graph theory and machine learning methods as potential accelerators for discovery of structure-function relationships combined with traditional electronic structure methods and force-field based dynamical simulations. The project offers several possibilities for close collaborations with experimental groups in USA, Canada, Denmark and Singapore.
Major Duties/Responsibilities
- Work as a part of a diverse, multicultural team
- Learn various methods of computational nanoscience, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and apply them to investigations of dynamical properties of metal nanocluster – biomolecule interfaces.
- Present research in international conferences and project meetings and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
- As a Doctoral Student pursue your doctoral studies at the University of Jyväskylä
- Write a PhD thesis and defend it successfully within the term of the employment
Qualifications
- A Master's degree in physics or chemistry and a MSc thesis written on a theoretical/computational topic.
- Good basis in quantum mechanics, statistical physics, or computational chemistry. Previous experience in computational studies of nanostructures or biological systems is considered as bonus.
- A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.
We offer
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 the Handbook for international staff and visitors.
The annual salary for a Doctoral Researcher will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.
How to apply
The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
- Curriculum vitae (CV), 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
- Cover letter including a statement of research interests.
- Relevant certificates/diplomas
- Research plan is not mandatory, please submit a blank file insted.
For further details, please contact Professor Hannu Häkkinen (hannu.j.hakkinen@jyu.fi)
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.
