Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental nuclear astrophysics
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental nuclear astrophysics starting January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a duration of 2 years. The position is fixed-term, as it is related to a research project. The research will be carried out within the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics 2026-2033 (https://neutronstars.fi/), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The Centre of Excellence status provides us with long-term funding, strong connections to related Finnish and international research groups, and generous resources for research visits and conference travels.
The local research team at the University of Jyväskylä, the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) group is led by Prof. Anu Kankainen. The group investigates properties of atomic nuclei by employing high-precision mass spectrometry as well as laser and decay spectroscopy at the IGISOL facility in the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory. The conducted research at IGISOL focuses on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, neutrino physics, and fundamental interactions.
The selected postdoctoral researcher is expected to:
- Perform atomic mass measurements with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap and/or the Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-ToF-MS) at the IGISOL facility in JYFL-ACCLAB
- Contribute to the development of JYFLTRAP/MR-ToF-MS and their application to decay spectroscopy studies
- Participate in experiments at the IGISOL radioactive-ion-beam facility
- Present scientific results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Supervise students and summer trainees.
Who should apply
The successful candidate will significantly contribute to cutting-edge experiments in nuclear astrophysics, in particular mass measurements and complementary spectroscopic studies in JYFL-ACCLAB.
Qualifications:
- Experience in ion trapping and charged-particle manipulation techniques
- Experience in mass spectrometry, preferably with a Penning trap and/or multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer
- Familiarity with the production of radioactive ion beams
- Strong background in nuclear astrophysics is considered as an asset
- Proficiency in computational methods, programming (e.g., Python,..) and data analysis
- Mentoring of less experienced team members (i.e. students)
- Ph.D. degree in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics or related field.
Strong motivation for experimental research and academic career, excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and the ability to work effectively in an international research environment are also considered as essential for the position.
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 5–6 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.
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:
- 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 (highest degree)
- Contact details for at least two references.
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by September 30, 2026.
For further information, please contact Academy Professor Anu Kankainen (anu.kankainen@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.
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