Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanoscience and Quantum materials
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental research in nanoscience and quantum materials using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and advanced fabrication of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures. The successful candidate will join the Synthetic Quantum Materials Group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will begin on May 4, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and will last for 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.
Our research focuses on nanostructured quantum materials, including topological systems, atomically thin 2D materials, and engineered atomic-scale structures exhibiting emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena. A central component of the project is the controlled fabrication, clean assembly, and atomic-scale characterization of van der Waals heterostructures.
Experimental work will utilize advanced cryogenic STM platforms to investigate 2D materials and graphene-based devices.
Available Instrumentation:
- A 1 K STM operating under external magnetic fields up to 8 T
- A 4 K STM integrated with optical spectroscopy, enabling STM-induced luminescence (STML) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) with angstrom-scale spatial resolution
The selected candidate will:
- Conduct fundamental experimental research advancing the understanding of quantum materials
- Fabricate and assemble two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures using controlled transfer techniques
- Perform structural and electronic characterization of fabricated heterostructures
- Carry out ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) cryogenic STM measurements
- Operate and maintain state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy systems
- Analyze and interpret experimental data
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences
- Contribute actively to a collaborative and high-performance research environment
Who we are looking for
The successful applicant will meet the following requirements:
- A Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in the fabrication and characterization of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (required)
- Practical experience with 2D material transfer techniques and cleanroom-based microfabrication processes
- Experience in low-temperature STM measurements (strongly preferred)
- A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team
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
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 initial salary range will be approximately 3600-4200 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. We also support your relocation to Jyväskylä with a settling-in allowance.
The University of Jyväskylä offers excellent occupational healthcare benefits in addition to broad public healthcare services. Information about the University of Jyväskylä, the Department of Physics, and the city of Jyväskylä can be found via the provided links.
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 Lake District having excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The City of Jyväskylä is a major educational center with a large student population and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For more information regarding the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
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 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 and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters.
- 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).
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application system by March 31, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further details, please contact Associate Professor Kezilebieke Shawulienu, kezilebieke.a.shawulienu@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-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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