Postdoctoral Researcher in Condensed Matter Theory in the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the theory projects within the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials (https://www.qmat.fi). The research will be guided by Professor Tero Heikkilä at the Condensed Matter Theory group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will start at earliest on the 4th May 2026 or as agreed for a fixed term of 2 years, with a possible extension to a third year.
The project will investigate the theory for mesoscopic effects in hybrid structures of correlated materials. Topics of interest include nonequilibrium effects and Josephson coupling in hybrid systems with ferroelectric elements, bound states and transport in strongly correlated systems and non-reciprocal response in multiterminal correlated structures. The theoretical framework will involve Keldysh path integral formalism, complemented by numerical approaches based on tensor networks. The project is funded by the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials and will be done in close collaboration with the experimental and other theory groups of the Centre.
The Condensed Matter Theory group of Tero Heikkilä has strong expertise in non-equilibrium superconductivity, quantum materials, Josephson electronics, open quantum systems, flat-band physics and momentum space topology. The group currently consists of three senior researchers, seven postdocs and four PhD students, and provides a strong international community for condensed matter physics.
The QMAT Centre of Excellence (https://www.qmat.fi), led by Tero Heikkilä, is the only Centre of Excellence in quantum technologies in Finland. It consists of four theory (Heikkilä, Lado, Ojanen, Törmä) and four experimental (Hakonen, Kezilebieke, Prunnila, Sun) from three universities and one RTO. It focuses on the fundamental and applied research on the properties of quantum materials.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work as part of the Condensed Matter Theory group conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum engineered materials. Besides the Centre of Excellence in Quantum materials (2026-2033) the group is an active member of the JoGate EU project, Finnish Quantum Flagship, and the SuperC and Simons collaborations on superconductivity.
- Develop and apply theoretical and/or computational methods for correlated quantum materials, including Keldysh formalism to nonequilibrium steady-state and rf-driven transport in mesoscopic systems formed from hybrid strongly correlated materials.
- When needed, use the outstanding computational facilities accessible to the group: either the University of Jyväskylä cluster, or the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC.
- Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
Who we are looking for
Qualification requirements for the position:
- A doctoral degree in physics or a related field and a thesis written on a theoretical topic.
- Good basis in condensed matter physics, quantum physics and statistical mechanics, including their formal tools. Knowledge of any of the following is considered an asset:
- Keldysh field theory and/or quasiclassical Green’s functions.
- Tensor network methods (e.g. MPS, PEPS).
- Theory of superconductivity, quantum spin liquids, ferroelectricity or other correlated electronic phases of matter.
- A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You are expected to learn to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.
- We strongly value and encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
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.
Benefits
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 5–6 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. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
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 informal 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 (relevant/highest degree).
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by April 5, 2026.
For further information, please contact Professor Tero Heikkilä (tero.t.heikkila@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. 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.
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