SmartHiTS project | YBCO conductor architecture, FEM simulation and predictive design

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Research Council of Finland-funded Smart Self-Protecting High-Temperature Superconducting Wires (SmartHiTS) project. The researcher will develop finite-element and multiphysics models to support the design of intrinsically safer high-temperature superconducting conductors and coils.

The employment is a two-year fixed-term position, reflecting the expected duration of the project's main modelling activities. The preferred start is as soon as possible or as agreed.

About the SmartHiTS project

High-temperature superconductors such as YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) enable compact, energy-efficient magnets for fusion reactors, particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging, and energy-storage systems. A sudden loss of superconductivity, known as a quench, can nevertheless cause rapid overheating and catastrophic coil failure. SmartHiTS aims to develop self-protecting YBCO tapes whose microstructure and conductor architecture are deliberately engineered to control and mitigate quench behaviour.

The project links microscopic material properties to macroscopic quench dynamics through thin-film growth, advanced characterization, cryogenic testing, multiphysics modelling, and prototype validation. It will investigate varied YBCO microstructures and current-diverter concepts, develop predictive FEM and machine-learning surrogate models, and support the upscaling of prototype tapes with collaborators.

Role and research focus

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project's FEM and multiphysics simulation activities, working in close collaboration with experimental researchers. The principal objective is to develop and validate models that reveal how material properties, interfaces, and conductor architectures influence quench initiation, current redistribution, thermal propagation, and protection performance.

The role contributes centrally to the project's modelling work package and connects it to the experimental development of current diverters and to prototype-scale validation. The researcher will also act as the principal scientific contact with Quanscient Oy and participate in international collaborations.

Main responsibilities

• develop, implement, and document FEM and multiphysics models for quench behaviour in YBCO high-temperature superconducting tapes and coils;
• parameterize and validate models using data generated by the project's experimental work packages;
• simulate current diverters;
• identify conductor and wire architectures that prevent quenches or reduce their consequences;
• analyse simulation results, quantify uncertainty and limitations, and translate findings into experimentally testable design recommendations;
• work closely with experimentalists and prototype collaborators throughout model development and validation;
• serve as the project's main scientific contact with Quanscient;
• prepare high-quality scientific publications and present results at international meetings; and
• contribute, where appropriate, to supervision of doctoral and master's students.

Expected outputs

• validated FEM and multiphysics models linking YBCO material parameters and conductor architecture to quench behaviour;
• design rules and optimized superconducting-wire structures for quench prevention, mitigation, and self-protection;
• simulation evidence supporting the experimental selection of current-diverter architectures;
• documented, reproducible modelling workflows and datasets suitable for later surrogate-model development; and
• peer-reviewed publications and contributions to project reporting and dissemination.

Qualifications and selection criteria

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in physics, engineering, computational materials science, or another field relevant to the position, demonstrate the ability to conduct independent scientific research, and possess the teaching skills required for the position. The doctoral degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

Essential expertise

• strong knowledge of finite-element methods and multiphysics simulation;
• sound knowledge of superconductivity and superconducting materials;
• evidence of research experience and scientific publications involving FEM modelling of superconducting systems or closely related coupled thermal-electromagnetic problems;
• the ability to develop, validate, troubleshoot, and critically assess computational models independently;
• strong analytical and scientific writing skills; and
• fluency in written and spoken English.

Additional merits

• experience with Quanscient Allsolve or a comparable multiphysics modelling environment;
• previous research on quench initiation, propagation, detection, or protection;
• experience with high-temperature superconducting tapes, coils, or conductor architectures;
• programming and scientific data-analysis skills;
• experience with reduced-order, surrogate, or machine-learning models;
• experimental experience sufficient to understand measurement constraints, parameter uncertainty, and validation limitations; and
• demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, plan work against project milestones, communicate progress clearly, and follow responsible research practices.

Applications will be assessed on relevant scientific achievements, technical competence, independence, collaboration skills, motivation, and the overall fit between the applicant’s profile and the project needs.

We offer

• a leading role in a project connecting fundamental superconducting materials science with safety-critical magnet design;
• close day-to-day collaboration with experimentalists working in the same research environment;
• international collaboration and direct interaction with a specialist multiphysics technology partner;
• the opportunity to learn experimental methods and contribute to prototype conductor and coil development;
• an inspiring, multidisciplinary and international research environment;
• access to high-quality laboratory and research infrastructure;
• opportunities to publish, present at international conferences, supervise students, and develop an independent research profile;
• a collegial team that supports competence development and career progression;
• comprehensive occupational health care, staff well-being services, flexible working arrangements where compatible with the duties, and staff-priced CampusSport services; and
• the opportunity to live and work in Turku, a vibrant maritime university city close to the Finnish archipelago.

The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the HR Excellence in Research quality label, reflecting the University's commitment to a high-quality research environment and researchers' career development.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the teaching and research personnel category. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is based on levels 5-6. A personal performance component is added to the task-specific salary. The starting salary for the position is approximately EUR 3,700-4,000 per month, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience.

The salary is determined when the employment contract is drawn up. 

A trial period of six (6) months applies to the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application in English through our online recruitment system. Applications must be submitted by Friday 25 September 2026 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki).

The application must include:

• a motivation letter of no more than one page, explaining the applicant's experience in FEM or multiphysics modelling, superconductivity, and collaborative model validation;
• a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages;
• a list of publications;
• copies of relevant degree certificates and diplomas;
• contact details for two referees; and
• any other attachments directly relevant to the position.

The qualification requirements must be met by the end of the application period. Applications may be reviewed during the application period.

Further information

Scientific questions about the position: Professor Petriina Paturi, petriina.paturi(at)utu.fi.

Administrative questions: Dr Quentin Huchet, quentin.huchet(at)utu.fi.

For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi.

Research environment

The position will be based in Professor Petriina Paturi's multidisciplinary and international research environment at the Wihuri Physical Laboratory. The group brings together superconducting materials, thin-film growth, advanced characterization, cryogenic experiments, modelling, and device development, and collaborates with partners in Finland and internationally.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy conducts nationally and internationally significant research, often across disciplinary boundaries. Its principal research areas include materials physics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, and space research. The department studies and applies the laws of nature to deliver high-quality education and innovative solutions for society.

At the Faculty of Science, we seek truth and develop solutions for a sustainable future and a smart society. The University of Turku is an inspiring international academic community of approximately 25,000 students and employees. We build a sustainable future through multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration.

Research group: High-Temperature Superconductivity group | University of Turku open vacancies