Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics

In the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science of the University of Jyväskylä we are searching to recruit a motivated, career-driven researcher with a physics or physical chemistry background and a keen interest in computational materials modeling. The position starts on 1st May 2024 or as agreed, for a fixed term of two years.

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 duty 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.

What 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 background in atomistic materials modeling.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills and can work independently.
• Experience in machine learning 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 starting the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active 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 Lake District having excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The City of Jyväskylä is a major educational center with a large student population and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For more information regarding the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the Handbook for international staff and visitors.

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 annual salary will be approximately 43,300 - 50,400 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included as PDF files

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. Motivation letter or video targeted for this call (video with a link only).
3. A numbered list of publications (if applicable)
4. Relevant certificates and diplomas (or date of completion of the Ph.D.) and transcripts of academic records.
5. Research plan is not mandatory. Please submit your motivation/cover letter here again if our application form requires it.
6. At least two reference letters should be sent to “dong.jo.kim@jyu.fi.

For further details, please contact Professor Pekka Koskinen (tel. +358 40 805 4089, pekka.j.koskinen@jyu.fi) or visit the research team's website.

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.