Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry offers four undergraduate students the opportunity to work in one of the department's research groups for up to 2 months during the summer as a research assistant. The criterion is a Bachelor's degree in chemistry (or a base degree for those selected directly for a Master's degree programme), meaning that the Bachelor's degree must have been completed in full by the end of the application period. For students directly admitted to a Master's degree programme, the degree on which the student has been selected is considered to be the base degree.
During the application phase, applicants do not apply directly to a specific research group. Instead, students who are accepted negotiate their placement in a research group after being accepted. The work can be directed towards the experimental part of the master's thesis, if agreed with the supervisor. The salary is determined based on the task-specific demand level 1 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff, and will be approximately 2300 € per month. It is also possible to earn credits for the work, but only if it is not part of the thesis or other studies.
Selection criteria:
- Academic performance (weighted averages of the study modules of the chemistry courses included in the bachelor's degree, or in the base degree for those admitted to the master's degree programme).
- A motivation letter (describing in particular your plans and goals, and how the work would support your employment after graduation).
- Duration of studies (completion of a bachelor's degree within the target time will be considered an advantage).
For further information, please contact head of the department, prof. Petri Pihko (petri.pihko@jyu.fi) or vice head of the department, senior lecturer Toni Kiljunen (toni.k.kiljunen@jyu.fi).
How to apply?
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by February 18, 2026. The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
- Motivation letter
- Degree certificate and Transcript of Records (If you have received your bachelor's degree from another university than the University of Jyväskylä)
The Head of the Department has appointed senior lecturer Toni Kiljunen to carry out the selection. Decisions on selections will be made by February 24, 2026, and applicants will be informed of the decisions by email.
By April 15, 2026, the selected candidates must find a suitable research group, agree on working with the group, and inform the education coordinator. Otherwise, they may lose their position. After 15 April 2026, the position must be negotiated with the head of the department.
Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry is internationally renowned for its high-quality research and teaching. We offer comprehensive, research-based chemistry education that crosses traditional subject boundaries and fosters a strong sense of community. Our teaching is being modernized through careful, collaborative efforts. The department’s key research areas include functional molecules and materials, chemical nanoscience, circular economy, and chemistry education. The department provides access to up-to-date chemistry infrastructure, including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, ICP analytics, and laser laboratories. Additionally, the Nanoscience Center offers high-quality infrastructure for nanofabrication and characterization. With a broad range of advanced tools, equipment and infrastructure, we support high-level international research collaborations and diverse teaching opportunities. We also have research groups that develop and apply density functional theory and other theoretical methods to understand and support experimental research related to hydrogen production and storage. Central to our approach is close cooperation within the department, faculty and with external partners, as demonstrated by the shared use of research facilities. We value in-depth fundamental research and the development of innovative applications built upon it. With a community of around 130 people, we have a significant proportion of international staff, enriching our work with diverse expertise and perspectives.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing 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.
