Memristor crossbar development | Perovskite nanomaterials for artificial synapses

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku invites applications for two fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher positions in the Memristor and Neuromorphic Computing Research Group. The positions address complementary challenges in next-generation memristive and neuromorphic technologies: scalable crossbar-device fabrication and the development of perovskite nanomaterials for functional memristive devices.

Applicants may apply for either position or for both. The motivation letter must clearly identify the preferred track and explain the applicant's fit with its scientific and technical requirements. Applicants considering both tracks should indicate their order of preference.

Positions at a glance

Track A 

• Project: OCEANAut / Business Finland
• Primary focus: Memristor crossbar fabrication, yield, reliability and characterization
• Term: Initial 1 year; anticipated +3 years subject to continuation
• Preferred start: As soon as possible / as agreed 

Track B 

• Project: Research Council of Finland project
• Primary focus: Perovskite quantum dots and semiconductor nanomaterials for memristive devices
• Term: 2 years
• Preferred start: 1 January 2027 / as agreed

Track A - Memristor crossbar fabrication and reliability (OCEANAut)

The On-Chip Edge AI Neuromorphic Applications for Security (OCEANAut) project develops ultra-energy-efficient, memristor-based neuromorphic computing systems for secure edge processing, intelligent sensors, and autonomous systems. This position will strengthen the project's device-manufacturing capability and support proof-of-concept applications by developing reliable, reproducible memristor crossbar structures.

Role and expected outputs

The researcher will fabricate and characterize memristor crossbar structures, with particular emphasis on manufacturing yield, device reliability, process reproducibility, and integration into proof-of-concept systems. Expected outputs include optimized crossbar structures, documented and transferable fabrication workflows, robust characterization data, and high-quality scientific publications.

Main responsibilities

• plan and conduct experimental micro- and nanofabrication work;
• develop, optimize, and document crossbar-manufacturing processes;
• characterize device morphology, structure, electrical properties, yield, and reliability;
• analyse data and connect fabrication parameters to device performance;
• share responsibility for equipment and safe, reliable workflows used in crossbar manufacturing;
• prepare scientific publications and communicate results within the project; and
• contribute to the supervision of doctoral and master's students.

Essential expertise

• a doctoral degree in materials physics, materials science, materials engineering, or a closely related field;
• strong hands-on experience in thin-film patterning and microfabrication;
• practical experience with relevant fabrication methods, such as maskless lithography, atomic layer deposition (ALD), reactive-ion etching (RIE), and electron-beam evaporation;
• experience with relevant characterization methods, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrical or resistivity measurements; and
• the ability to carry out experimental work independently and troubleshoot complex fabrication processes.

Desirable expertise

• cleanroom work, electron-beam lithography (EBL), and/or pulsed laser deposition (PLD);
• Python-based data analysis or experimental automation;
• experience with memristors, resistive-switching devices, crossbar arrays, or reliability testing; and
• an existing scientific network in the international memristor community.

The position is an initial one-year fixed-term contract, with an anticipated three-year continuation subject to the OCEANAut midterm evaluation, continuation of the project, funding availability, and the required institutional decisions. The position should start as soon as possible or as agreed.

Track B - Perovskite nanomaterials for memristive devices (RCF project)

The researcher will join a Research Council of Finland-funded project developing next-generation memristors and artificial synapses. The position spans the full materials-to-device pathway: the design, synthesis, and characterization of perovskite quantum dots, low-dimensional perovskites, and related semiconductor nanomaterials, followed by integration of the most promising materials into memristive devices.

Role and expected outputs

The researcher is expected to establish reproducible nanomaterial synthesis and thin-film workflows, develop strategies for controlling composition, size, surface chemistry, defects, and stability, and correlate material properties with device performance and switching mechanisms. Outputs will include validated procedures, reproducible material and thin-film platforms, device-relevant datasets, conference contributions, and high-quality scientific publications.

Main responsibilities

• establish and independently operate perovskite and nanocrystal synthesis procedures;
• synthesize and optimize perovskite quantum dots, low-dimensional or two-dimensional perovskites, and related semiconductor nanomaterials;
• develop ligand-exchange, surface-passivation, and stability-engineering strategies;
• perform structural, chemical, and photophysical characterization;
• develop reproducible nanomaterial thin films and collaborate on their integration into memristors and artificial synapses;
• correlate materials properties with device performance and switching mechanisms; and
• contribute to publications, project reporting, international conferences, and, where appropriate, supervision of junior researchers.

Essential expertise

• a doctoral degree in materials chemistry, chemistry, materials science, perovskites, semiconductor nanomaterials, or a closely related field;
• strong, demonstrable hands-on experience in perovskites, nanostructures such as quantum dots or nanoplatelets, and/or relevant colloidal quantum-dot synthesis;
• expertise in controlling nanocrystal composition, size, surface chemistry, defects, and stability;
• experience with ligand exchange and/or surface passivation;
• experience in structural or materials characterization using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and/or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
• experience in photophysical characterization, including UV-visible absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL); and
• the ability to establish, optimize, and troubleshoot nanomaterial synthesis procedures independently.

Desirable expertise

• synthesis of two-dimensional or low-dimensional perovskites, halides, or oxide-based semiconductor nanostructures;
• thin-film processing of perovskites or colloidal nanomaterials;
• understanding charge transport, ion migration, and/or defect-related processes;
• fabrication or characterization of memristors, LEDs, solar cells, or related electronic or optoelectronic devices; and
• scientific data analysis and programming skills.

The researcher will work across materials chemistry, photophysics, electronic devices, and neuromorphic engineering, including collaboration with Aalto University and AMOLF. Willingness to undertake approximately three months of research mobility at collaborating institutions and to participate in international conferences is expected. The fixed-term appointment is for two years, with a preferred start on 1 January 2027 or as agreed.

Common qualification requirements and selection criteria

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree relevant to the selected track, demonstrate the ability to conduct independent scientific research, and possess the teaching skills required for the position. The doctoral degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

Across both tracks, we are looking for applicants who:

• are highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• apply strong experimental rigor, critical thinking, and responsible research practices;
• can plan work against project milestones and communicate progress clearly;
• have strong written and spoken English skills; and
• are committed to a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive research environment.

Applications will be assessed against the criteria of the track selected by the applicant. Relevant scientific achievements, technical competence, independence, collaboration skills, motivation, and the overall fit between the applicant's profile and the project needs will be considered.

We offer

• the opportunity to join an internationally recognized research environment working from functional materials and device physics through to neuromorphic applications;
• substantial scientific independence within clearly defined project objectives and milestones;
• close collaboration across materials physics, chemistry, electronics, photophysics, and artificial intelligence;
• opportunities to contribute to publications, invention disclosures, and the development of a strong intellectual-property portfolio;
• an inspiring, multidisciplinary and international research environment;
• access to high-quality laboratory and research infrastructure;
• opportunities to publish, present at international conferences, supervise students, and develop an independent research profile;
• a collegial team that supports competence development and career progression;
• comprehensive occupational health care, staff well-being services, flexible working arrangements where compatible with the duties, and staff-priced CampusSport services; and
• the opportunity to live and work in Turku, a vibrant maritime university city close to the Finnish archipelago.

The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the HR Excellence in Research quality label, reflecting the University's commitment to a high-quality research environment and researchers' career development.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the teaching and research personnel category. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is based on levels 5-6. A personal performance component is added to the task-specific salary. The starting salary for each position is approximately EUR 3,700-4,000 per month, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience.

The salary is determined when the employment contract is drawn up. 

A trial period of six (6) months applies to each position.

How to apply

Please submit your application in English through our online recruitment system. Applications must be submitted by Friday 25 September 2026 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki).

The application must include:

• a motivation letter of no more than one page, clearly stating whether the applicant is applying for Track A, Track B, or both, and explaining the fit with the selected track(s);
• a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages;
• a list of publications;
• copies of relevant degree certificates and diplomas;
• contact details for two referees; and
• any other attachments directly relevant to the position.

The qualification requirements must be met by the end of the application period. Applications may be reviewed during the application period.

Further information

Scientific questions about Track A: Professor Petriina Paturi, petriina.paturi(at)utu.fi.

Scientific questions about Track B: Dr Manish Kumar, manish.kumar(at)utu.fi.

For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi.

Research environment

The Memristor and Neuromorphic Computing Research Group is an internationally recognized pioneer in GCMO memristors and their neuromorphic applications. The group combines expertise in thin films, device fabrication, materials characterization, electronic systems, and artificial intelligence to develop next-generation computing technologies. The positions will be based at the Wihuri Physical Laboratory, University of Turku.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy conducts nationally and internationally significant research, often across disciplinary boundaries. Its principal research areas include materials physics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, and space research. The department studies and applies the laws of nature to deliver high-quality education and innovative solutions for society.

At the Faculty of Science, we seek truth and develop solutions for a sustainable future and a smart society. The University of Turku is an inspiring international academic community of approximately 25,000 students and employees. We build a sustainable future through multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration.

Research group: Memristor and Neuromorphic Computing Research Group | University of Turku open vacancies