Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Nuclear Physics (MARA Low-Energy Branch)
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental nuclear physics starting 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a duration of 2 years with a possible extension. The position is fixed term.
The researcher will work with both the Nuclear Spectroscopy group and the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) team at the University of Jyväskylä.
The Nuclear Spectroscopy group studies properties of nuclei mainly along the proton dripline and in the region of the heavy elements. The group uses recoil separators and a variety of nuclear spectroscopic techniques to shed light on nuclear structure and nuclear decay properties.
The IGISOL team investigates properties of atomic nuclei by employing high-precision mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy and decay spectroscopy. The team also develop methods of radioactive ion beam production.
In recent years these two research groups have embarked on a challenging new project, the development of a low-energy facility connected to the recoil separator, MARA. This new project, MARA-LEB, will employ gas-cell and gas-jet laser ionization and spectroscopy, decay spectroscopy and in the future, mass spectrometry.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing development and commissioning of the MARA-LEB facility, including the post-commissioning phases with laser and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to other experiments in the Accelerator Laboratory, which have close overlap with techniques to be applied at MARA-LEB.
Qualifications
- You have, or are just about to be awarded, a Ph.D. degree in nuclear physics or a related field.
- You have a strong background in experimental techniques employed in accelerator-based laboratories.
- Proficiency in computational and simulation methods and/or programming (e.g., SIMION, COMSOL, Python…).
- You are interested in research and motivated to pursue an academic career.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently, as well as in a collaborative international environment.
Preferred skills (any of those listed below)
- Experience with gas cells, ion guides and methods of ion-beam manipulation.
- Experience with use of recoil separators and nuclear spectroscopic techniques.
- Familiarity with pulsed laser systems and/or mass measurements.
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
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).
- Contact details for two references (Other attachment).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by February 16, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact either Prof. Paul Greenlees (paul.greenlees@jyu.fi) or Prof. Iain Moore (iain.d.moore@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 Center 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-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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