Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher position at the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku is seeking a Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher to join a research project on spectral informatics. The position is fixed-term for four years starting in September 2025 (or upon mutual agreement) and ending in August 2029.

Job description

The Femto group within the department is seeking a Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher to contribute to a project titled "Structural Reconstruction from Electronic Spectra", funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by docent Johannes Niskanen. The selected candidate will perform high-performance computations and apply machine learning techniques to molecular systems. They will also participate in a limited number of physical experiments at synchrotrons and free-electron lasers. The role requires strong programming skills in Python, which will be used to develop algorithms based on a formalism previously established by the host group. In addition, the researcher will write scientific manuscripts about their results for publication in international peer-reviewed journals. The position offers opportunities to attend conferences and participate research visits abroad.

The position is fixed-term as the main purpose is to conduct a PhD thesis during the course of the project. The doctoral dissertation will be conducted within the PhD program at the University of Turku.

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Who we are looking for

The position requires a completed Master's degree in physics, theoretical physics, or mathematics. Prior experience in molecular modelling, spectroscopy, or machine learning is considered an advantage, along with an excellent academic record. A strong interest in programming and proficiency in Python are essential.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher is required to have a higher university degree that must be completed before the end of the application period. If the selected person is close to graduation (M.Sc. or equivalent), the employment contract will initially be signed as a Research Assistant.

In addition, a Doctoral Researcher is required to have demonstrated an ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

For Doctoral Researcher’s position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies in University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs/exactus. In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English.

The position requires working in Finland; the place of work is Turku.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

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.
  • We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. You also have access to long annual leaves.
  • 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.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be approximately 2500–2650 €/month, depending on competence and experience and/or the progress of the doctoral project. For a Research Assistant, the starting salary will be approximately 2280-2400 €/month.

The position has a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system by  7 August 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki). The application link can be found on the university's website at the beginning of the advertisement ("Apply for this position").

Applicants must include in their application:

  • a motivation letter (max. 1 page)
  • a curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
  • copy of your degree diploma or a statement when the degree will be completed
  • transcript of studies, or other equivalent document showing your study record
  • any other documents relevant to fulfilling the requirements of the position, such as a list of publications

Please remember to include all the above-mentioned annexes with your application, as they are important for the evaluation of your application. Applicants selected for interviews based on their applications.

Further information

For more information on the position, please contact Docent Johannes Niskanen (responses are given between 30 June -9 July).

For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto (responses are given between 26 June - 1 July and 6 - 7 August).

(You can contact us by email. Personal addresses as firstname.lastname@utu.fi.)

Department of Physics and Astronomy

The main research fields of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are material physics, quantum mechanics, and astronomy and space research. Physics and Astronomy are among the oldest disciplines at the University of Turku. Today the Department offers a rich curriculum supported by a broad research profile. The teaching covers experimental and theoretical physics as well as astrophysics and astronomy. High-quality basic research is accompanied by original and successful development of physical applications for industrial purposes.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher position at the Department of Physics and Astronomy

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