Postdoctoral Researcher in Nuclear Astrophysics
The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in nuclear astrophysics starting 2nd March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a duration of 2 years with possible extension. The position is fixed-term, as it is related to the research project to the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics (https://neutronstars.fi), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The CoE status provides us long-term funding, strong connections to related Finnish and international research groups, and resources for research visits and conference travel.
The researcher will join the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) team at the University of Jyväskylä and focus on nucleosynthesis calculations and modelling of the rapid proton capture process in thermonuclear x-ray bursts and/or the rapid neutron capture process in neutron-star mergers. Combined with the nuclear theory group led by Prof. Markus Kortelainen at the University of Jyväskylä, and the Centre of Excellence collaboration teams, we are in a unique position to explore nuclear data and their impact on neutron-star physics.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge nucleosynthesis calculations and study their implications for astrophysical phenomena, such as type I x-ray bursts or neutron-star mergers. In particular, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to model the rapid proton capture process in thermonuclear x-ray bursts and/or the rapid neutron capture process in neutron-star mergers and study the impact of nuclear data on the simulations.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in theoretical/computational nuclear astrophysics, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in nucleosynthesis and astrophysical simulations
- Good proficiency in computational methods and programming (e.g., C++, Python, Fortran).
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ready to work in an international research team and collaborate nationally with the Centre of Excellence hubs (Helsinki-Jyväskylä-Turku) as well as internationally with our collaborators.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with neutron star physics and astrophysical simulations
- Knowledge of high-performance computing methods.
- Familiarity with nuclear models.
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).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by Februaury 4, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Prof. Anu Kankainen (anu.kankainen@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): CoE in Quark Matter, CoE in Quantum Materials, and CoE in Neutron-Star Physics funded by the Research Council of Finland. 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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