Postdoctoral researcher in Accelerator-Based Neutron Physics for BNCT
Department of Physics is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the position of Postdoctoral researcher in Accelerator-Based Neutron Physics for BNCT. The position will start on 4 January 2027, or as agreed, and is a project-based two years fixed-term position.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work in a project, which will realize a new Neutron Beam Line (NBL) for the new 3 MV Tandetron accelerator, which is to be delivered by the end of the year 2026. The neutron beam line, especially the Li target and beam shaping assembly (BSA) designs, will be the main responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher. These responsibilities include tasks to simulate and continue the design of the beamline, including the Li target, safety shielding and optimization of neutron production and moderation. The main goal of the NBL design, with the 7Li(p,n) reaction, will be pre-clinical studies of Boron Neutron Capture therapy (BNCT). The BNCT studies will be done in collaboration with the Finnish BNCT community. In addition to these main tasks, the Postdoctoral Researcher is also expected to participate in other research projects at the accelerator-based materials physics research group.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will work in Jyväskylä, but conference and research visits to abroad are encouraged. Postdoctoral Researcher may have limited teaching/supervision duties at the Department of Physics. We also encourage and help you to apply your own research funding for further research studies/contracts from national and international sources during the 2-year period. BNCT is a strongly growing area and it is plausible to create your own research openings during or after this project.
Who should apply
You are the person we are looking for if you have:
1. A PhD in Physics or in Applied Physics or equivalent degree in Engineering,
2. Good experimental and/or simulation skills related to neutron physics and/or BNCT,
3. Preferentially prior expertise from neutron production target design and radiation safety.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
What we offer
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 job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately EUR 3700-4300 per month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees once a year, usually in July. For the possible visiting period(s) abroad, we will provide a mobility compensation to cover higher living costs. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
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.
How to apply?
To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone).
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- Curriculum vitae (CV), with key skills and qualifications relevant to the task listed and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (max 3 pages).
- Cover letter including a statement of research interests (max 2 pages).
- A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- PhD Degree diploma and possible study transcripts in English or Finnish.
- Contact details (position, email, phone) of two persons who can provide reference information. These could be, for instance, former supervisors or collaborating professors.
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by November 20, 2026.
For further information, please contact Professor Timo Sajavaara, timo.sajavaara@jyu.fi or Senior Lecturer Dr. Mikko Laitinen, mikko.i.laitinen@jyu.fi.
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.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
