Postdoctoral Researcher in Condensed Matter Theory
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for projects on the dynamics of driven-dissipative heterostructures and quantum engineered systems. The research will be jointly guided by Assistant Professor Paolo Molignini and Professor Tero Heikkilä at the Quantum Simulation / Condensed Matter Theory groups at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will start at earliest on the 2nd January 2026 or as agreed for a fixed term of 2 years, with a possible extension to a third year.
The project will investigate the interplay of topology, dissipation, and driving in engineered quantum systems. Topics of interest include non-equilibrium and Floquet topology — such as topological properties of density matrices and/or Liouvillians — as well as non-Hermitian effects and nonreciprocity in systems ranging from Josephson junctions to optomechanical platforms. The theoretical framework will involve open quantum systems described by Lindblad and/or Keldysh formalisms, complemented by numerical approaches based on exact diagonalization and/or tensor networks. Additional directions include the study of multi-terminal Josephson junctions and Andreev bound states with finite lifetimes, along with potential links to quantum thermodynamics and driven-dissipative quantum heat machines. The project is funded by the Finnish Quantum Flagship.
The Condensed Matter Theory group of Tero Heikkilä has strong expertise in non-equilibrium superconductivity, quantum materials and Josephson electronics. Three of four authors of a recent review on nonequilibrium effects in superconductor/ferromagnet structures (Rev. Mod. Phys. 90, 041001 (2018)) worked in the group, and two of them, Virtanen and Heikkilä, are still there. A recent work on nonreciprocity of Josephson junctions (PRL 132, 046002 (2024)) has raised the interest of many experimental groups.
The Quantum Simulation Theory group of Paolo Molignini, starting in January 2026, explores the physics of quantum many-body systems to push the boundaries of what is computable. The group focuses particularly on long-range and light-mediated interactions, combining theoretical modeling, advanced simulations, and machine learning to study emergent quantum phenomena in platforms such as ultracold atoms, molecules, and photonic devices. Its research develops new frameworks and computational tools to uncover non-equilibrium dynamics, entanglement propagation, and collective behavior in next-generation quantum simulators, bridging condensed matter, computational, and quantum information physics.
Another related call for postdoctoral researcher(s) for the Center of Excellence in Quantum Materials, working in the Condensed Matter Theory group will be opened in early 2026.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work as part of the Condensed Matter Theory / Quantum Simulation Theory groups conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum engineered materials and their use in quantum simulation. Tero Heikkilä leads a new Research Council of Finland Center of Excellence in Quantum materials (2026-2033) and his 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 open quantum systems, including quantum master equations (e.g. Lindblad) and Keldysh formalism to driven-dissipative systems, exact diagonalization, and tensor-network techniques, to study non-equilibrium dynamics, non-Hermitian effects, and emergent topological phenomena.
- 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 either of the following is considered an asset:
- Quantum master equations and numerical techniques to solve them.
- Keldysh field theory and/or quasiclassical Green’s functions.
- Exact diagonalization.
- Tensor network methods (e.g. MPS, PEPS).
- Theory of topological insulators and superconductors.
- 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.
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 cover/motivation letter (max 2 pages) including a statement of research interests and accomplishments, and an explanation of how your skills would fit the projects.
- A numbered list of publications indicating the personal contribution to each work.
- Relevant degree certificates/diplomas
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 14th December 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Paolo Molignini (paolo.molignini@fysik.su.se) and/or 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. 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.
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