Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics
The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science is seeking to recruit a motivated researcher with a physics or physical chemistry background and a keen interest in computational materials modeling. The position starts on 1st September 2025 or as agreed and ends 31st December 2026.
The researcher will join Professor Pekka Koskinen's research group at the Nanoscience Center and Department of Physics. The group investigates the mechanical and electromechanical properties of low-dimensional materials by computational methods, including elasticity theory, classical and quantum molecular dynamics simulations, and electronic structure simulations by density-functional theory and related methods. The researcher’s primary task is to investigate the structure and functionality of two-dimensional elemental metals by density-functional simulations. The position is associated with the project Towards sustainable metal economy: designing interfaces to stabilize two-dimensional metals, funded by Jane and Aatos Erkko foundation. Other duties may include teaching and thesis instruction.
Who we are looking for
We expect from candidates
- You have or are just about to have a Ph.D. degree in physics or related field, are interested in computational materials research, and are eagerly pursuing an academic career.
- You have a good knowledge of materials physics, experience in scripting and programming, and solid background in atomistic materials modeling.
- You have excellent written and oral communication skills and can work independently.
- Experience in machine learning methods is considered an asset.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The doctoral 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 position itself gives you an inspiring research environment and a research topic that enables you to build competence for post-graduate careers both in- and outside academia. 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 3500-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
How to apply
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 letter (max 2 pages) targeted to this call
- A list of publications (if applicable)
- Relevant certificates and diplomas (or date of completion of the Ph.D.) and transcripts of academic records.
- *Research plan is not mandatory for this position, please submit an empty file here to proceed with your application.
- A motivation video (max. 3 minutes).
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by March 3 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Pekka Koskinen, pekka.j.koskinen@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 805 4089 or visit the research team's website.
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.
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
