Leading Postdoctoral Researcher in Soft Matter Physics

Active Matter group at the Department of Applied Physics in Aalto University, Finland, is looking for an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to guide doctoral students, to develop experimental setups and to carry out research activities. You may be a fresh doctoral graduate, a rising star with an excellent doctoral thesis, or a seasoned postdoctoral researcher already experienced in guiding doctoral students and leading research projects. Your previous research activities may have been related to, for example, electrohydrodynamics, electrokinetics, colloids, bacterial turbulence, bioconvection patterns or microswimmers. You are simply excellent in physics and have superb technical skills. You can operate almost any piece of equipment fluently after a short training. You are passionate about physics, have strong attention to detail, and value clarity in all communication. You may be already now considering an academic career or a leading position in technical research and development in a company.

See Active Matter group webpage (Active Matter | Aalto University) for more details on our research activities. The group hosts several advanced optical microscopy setups (including confocal, holography, FRAP, TIRF, optical tweezers and microspectroscopy). Prior experience in using, maintaining or developing such advanced optical microscopy capabilities is considered an asset.

Group leader Associate Professor Jaakko Timonen ([email protected]) can tell more about the position if you have any questions.

Your experience and skills

• Doctoral degree in soft condensed matter physics or a related field
• Excellent command of university level physics
• Ability to lead research projects and guide students
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (Finnish language is not required)

What we offer

The contract will be made initially for two years, after which it can be extended by up to three years (total five years). Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities, and the salary of a postdoc is in the range 4020 € - 4420 €/month (gross), depending on experience. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. There is great freedom in your role, and we have a flexible modern working culture. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life.

We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo. The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13,000 students and 4,500 employees. Life at the campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services, and good connections.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application (in English) and attachments through our online recruitment system by using the “Apply Now” -button on Aalto University’s web page. Include the following documents:

• Cover letter stating your motivation, goals and previous experience in academic research
• CV and a list of publications
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Recommendation letter(s) or contact information of your previous supervisors

The deadline for applications is 8th December 2024. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). Aalto University’s students and visitors should apply as external candidates with personal (not aalto) email.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world:  https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: Living in Finland | Aalto University and For international staff | Aalto University

About Aalto University

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

At the Department of Applied Physics, our pioneering research in physical sciences creates important industrial applications that hold great technological potential. Our research focuses on Materials physics, Quantum technology, Soft & living matter, and Advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. We educate future generations of research and development professionals, data specialists, technology experts, inventors, and scientists for industry and society.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto: Careers at Aalto | Aalto University

Check out our new virtual campus experience: Aalto University – virtual campus tour

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