Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral/senior researcher position. The starting date is negotiable, but no later than 1st September 2027.
The Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) is a national research institute that takes care of Finnish co-operation with the European Southern Observatory (ESO), practices and co-ordinates high quality astronomical research, and technological development work related to ESO; participates in researcher training; and promotes co-operation of Finnish universities in astronomy.
The ERC-funded BlackHolistic project seeks to create colour movies of black holes and study their astrophysics across scales. The multinational BlackHolistic team is currently building the first single dish mm-wave radio telescope in Africa, the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT), which will join the Event Horizon Telescope as well as carry out single dish science. At FINCA BlackHolistic is run jointly by Dr. Elina Lindfors and Dr. Talvikki Hovatta.
Job description
The research concentrates on the physics of relativistic jets launched from accreting supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN). These black hole powered jets are among the most energetic long-lived phenomena in the Universe and despite their ubiquity, many of the fundamental questions regarding their physics are still open. We do not for example understand well their launching and acceleration mechanisms.
Your task will be to develop tools and pipelines to statistically compare astronomical observables (e.g. light curves) from numerical simulations against new multi-messenger observations.
BlackHolistic is an international research project and you will work closely with the research group of Prof. Sera Markoff (University of Cambridge & University of Amsterdam). The Finnish Group has several PhD students and postdocs and an active environment both at University of Turku and Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory. You will be formally employed by University of Turku, but can choose between UTU and Metsähovi Radio Observatory as your primary work site.
Requirements
- PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or physics (Postdoctoral researcher). Higher university degree (Senior Researcher) if you are in the final stages of your PhD.
- Strong background in radiative processes and scientific computing
- Experience in astronomical multi-messenger observations and data analysis
- A track record of scientific publications in high-quality peer reviewed journals
- Professional-level communication and presentation skills in English
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
The qualification requirements of the position are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
- Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
- Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
- An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
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Salary and trial period
The selected candidate should start in the position by September 1st 2027 the latest. The fixed-term contract is for three years.
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 or Senior 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 3600-3800 €/month. The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared and is influenced by previous experience and skills. Support for participation in conferences and research visits is available.
The position has a trial period of six (6) months.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by 6 November 2026 (16:00 EET) at the latest via the electronic application form of the University of Turku but we will start reviewing and interviewing candidates immediately. However, all applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and the decision will be made after the application period has ended.
This job announcement can be found from the University of Turku recruitment page: http://www.utu.fi/careers.
Applications in English must include:
- a CV
- a list of relevant publications
- a motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- degree certificates
- At least two letters of recommendation must be arranged to be sent directly to Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Further information
For more information on the position, contact Dr. Talvikki Hovatta, talvikki.hovatta(at)utu.fi or Dr. Elina Lindfors, elilin(at)utu.fi.
For more information on the application process, contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi.
