Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Electrocatalysis and Sofware Development (2 positions)
The Department of Chemistry invites applications for two fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher positions in a research project on computational method development and electrocatalysis funded by the Research Council of Finland. The positions will commence on 1 April 2026, or as agreed, and will continue until 31 December 2028.
Project description
The project combines computational chemistry, electrocatalysis, and high-performance computing. Its objective is to develop computational methodologies and to advance the fundamental understanding of alcohol electro-oxidation reactions on transition metal catalysts relevant to sustainable energy technologies.
The research makes extensive use of the LUMI supercomputer, enabling large-scale simulations of complex electrochemical reactions under realistic reaction conditions. The two postdoctoral researchers will have distinct but closely connected roles within the project.
Position 1: Postdoctoral Researcher in Software Development
The successful candidate will focus on the development of GPU-accelerated GPAW software based on density functional theory (DFT) for constant-potential calculations within a plane-wave framework. The developed software will be tested and validated to electrochemical systems.
The position involves computational method development, scientific software engineering, and large-scale simulations on high-performance computing platforms.
Position 2: Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Electrocatalysis
The successful candidate will investigate reaction mechanisms at electrochemical metal–water interfaces, with particular emphasis on how solvent, applied potential, and cations influence alcohol electro-oxidation reactions on transition metal catalysts.
The work aims to clarify structure–activity relationships and the mechanistic factors governing catalytic performance at the atomic scale.
Collaboration and working environment
The postdoctoral researchers will work in close collaboration with each other, with the project’s experimental partners, and with the GPAW development team. The positions are embedded in an active computational chemistry research environment with access to national and European high-performance computing infrastructure.
Who we are looking for
Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a doctoral degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field. The degree must be obtained before the beginning of the employment. In addition:
- For Position 1, demonstrated experience in computational method development and/or scientific software development is required.
- For Position 2, demonstrated experience in computational electrocatalysis or modelling of electrochemical systems is required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are expected.The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
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 Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. We also support your relocation to Jyväskylä with a settling-in allowance.
How to apply?
Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.
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.
- 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.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by March 18, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Karoliina Honkala (Karoliina.honkala@jyu.fi, phone +358408053686).
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 Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry is internationally renowned for its high-quality research and teaching. We offer comprehensive, research-based chemistry education that crosses traditional subject boundaries and fosters a strong sense of community. Our teaching is being modernized through careful, collaborative efforts. The department’s key research areas include functional molecules and materials, chemical nanoscience, circular economy, and chemistry education. The department provides access to up-to-date chemistry infrastructure, including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, ICP analytics, and laser laboratories. Additionally, the Nanoscience Center offers high-quality infrastructure for nanofabrication and characterization. With a broad range of advanced tools, equipment and infrastructure, we support high-level international research collaborations and diverse teaching opportunities. We also have research groups that develop and apply density functional theory and other theoretical methods to understand and support experimental research related to hydrogen production and storage. Central to our approach is close cooperation within the department, faculty and with external partners, as demonstrated by the shared use of research facilities. We value in-depth fundamental research and the development of innovative applications built upon it. With a community of around 130 people, we have a significant proportion of international staff, enriching our work with diverse expertise and perspectives.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing 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.
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