Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our campus is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland.

The Micro and Quantum Systems group is looking for

Four new Doctoral Candidates in Micro and Quantum Technology

Research group
This research position will be supported by the Micro and Quantum Systems group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-electronics-and-nanoengineering/micro-and-quantum-systems) which is led by Professor Ilkka Tittonen. The group focuses mainly on the study of various nanofabrication methods, energy harvesting, thermoelectrics, and quantum optics theory and experiments. The group belongs to the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at the School of Electrical Engineering, and is located in the Micronova Nanofabrication Center, the largest academic clean room facility in Northern Europe.

We have the four following positions open

1) Doctoral Candidate in Quantum Optics
The research focus of this position is to experimentally realize a theoretically proposed quantum illumination experiment. This research would make up a new realizable application in quantum communications and imaging. Knowhow in experimental optics is required but also a deep understanding of quantum optics theory is expected. However, motivated candidates with a strong background in quantum mechanics will be considered. The chosen student can also participate in the research of optical properties of various nanomaterials, two-dimensional layered materials (e.g. transition metal dichalcogenides) and their heterostructures for various photonic and optoelectronic applications. Once hired, the applicant will get to conduct high quality research and to work as an active member of the Micro and Quantum Systems research group by taking part in guiding M.Sc. students. Our target is that the selected student will acquire the doctoral degree in four years.

2) Doctoral Candidate in Quantum Computing
This position focuses on research into quantum algorithm design and analysis. Our research aims specifically to assess the safety of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) against quantum computing. We will analyze in detail the performance of existing algorithms and apply genetic optimization to develop new quantum algorithms for the problems on which PQC methods are based.

Applicants are expected to have excellent study records in theoretical physics (quantum mechanics) and/or computer science at the Master’s level. Familiarity with the basics of quantum computing or cryptography is a definite advantage. The selected applicant will get to conduct high quality research independently, and to work as an active member of the Micro and Quantum Systems research group by taking part in guiding M.Sc. students. Our target is that the selected student will acquire a doctoral degree in four years.

3) Doctoral Candidate in Surface Physics Simulation
This position focuses on simulating molecular-surface interactions on or near the quantum scale. For example, one project involves modeling the interaction/catalysis of CO2 at various substrate interfaces. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with an experimental team to test and modify the simulations. Applicants are expected to have excellent study records in physics and/or computer science at the Master’s level. Familiarity with Density Functional Theory (DFT) and other physics modeling techniques is considered an advantage. The selected candidate will get to conduct high quality research independently and work as an active member of the Micro and Quantum Systems research group by taking part in guiding M.SC students. Our target is that the student will acquire a doctoral degree within four years.

4) Doctoral Candidate in Material Science/Surface Physics
This position focuses on the experimental exploration and characterization of surface physics/catalysis. The aim is to design, fabricate, and experimentally evaluate both known and novel catalytic materials, for example, with CO2. Applicants are  expected to have excellent study records in physics, chemistry, materials science, or other relevant fields. Familiarity with catalytic processes and nanoscale characterization techniques such as SEM, XPS, Raman, etc. are a definite advantage. The selected candidate will get to conduct high quality research independently and work as an active member of the Micro and Quantum Systems research group by taking part in guiding M.Sc. students. Our target is that the student will acquire a doctoral degree within four years.

Your experience and skills
·    Master’s degree in physics, nanotechnology, or related topics specified in each position.
·    Good command of English
·    In this position you will apply for the study right for doctoral studies at Aalto University, please check the student information and application criteria

Salary and contract terms
The expected starting salary is approximately 2500 €/month, depending on experience and qualifications. As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities as well as occupational health care services, commuter ticket benefit and versatile exercise services by Unisport. Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Preferable starting time is before summer of 2020, but can be also negotiable.

More information
If you wish to hear more about the position, please contact Professor Ilkka Tittonen, ilkka.tittonen(at)aalto.fi. In recruitment process relating questions, please contact HR Coordinator Annika Salmelin, annika.salmelin(at)aalto.fi.

Ready to apply?
Please submit your application through our recruiting system by using "Apply now!" link below. Please describe which of the four positions you are interested in and include the following documents in English 1) Motivation letter, 2) CV (with the list of publications if you have), 3) Course transcripts of Bachelor and Master degree with grades, 4) English language test (if you have), 5) References. Application period closes on March 31, 2020 but we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

About Finland
Aalto University is an international community: more than 30% of our academic personnel are non-Finns. 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 as the happiest country in the world: http://worldhappiness.report/news/finland-again-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland