The Department of Physics is currently seeking to recruit candidates to positions of

TWO STAFF SCIENTISTS

The positions start on 1 July 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter in effect until further notice.

The tasks and qualifications we are looking for

Position 1 (experimental nanophysics)

The Staff Scientist will act as an integral member of research groups of experimental nanophysics with responsibility for the analysis and management of the experimental data produced in the groups. In particular, the person has the responsibility to code, develop and use computer programs and simulation software for the data analysis, and assist others in their use. The most central research areas of the groups are nanoscale phononics and photonics, and the tasks of the position are related mainly to those areas. The simulations often require the highest computing power, in which case the codes must be implemented in the national and international supercomputing platforms. The Staff Scientist selected to fill this role will work in close collaboration with other researchers and technical staff in the groups and in the Nanoscience Center (NSC), but also with the national and international scientific and business collaborators of the groups.

You are the person we are looking for if you have a relevant doctoral degree (physics, information science), experience with and understanding of the algorithms of scientific computing, and strong practical experience of the development of programs in a supercomputing environment, particularly using the Finite Element Method (FEM). We also value experience with the use and development of simulation software for phononics and photonics, as well as experience with collaborating with experimental physics groups and companies. Familiarity with modern IT systems is also valued, such as knowledge of Linux, C/C++, Python and Matlab languages, as is the willingness and experience to teach topics related to numerics. In order to successfully carry out the required tasks, the candidate will use their initiative, organizational skills and interactive and co-operative skills in a multi-cultural environment. The position also requires proficiency in both oral and written English. 

Position 2 (computational nanophysics)

The Staff Scientist works in the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center (NSC) supporting the groups in computational nanophysics. The staff scientist’s role is to maintain and develop simulation tools that are needed in computational investigations of nanostructures, which is done on various supercomputer platforms nationally and internationally. In addition, the staff scientist will contribute in teaching computational nanophysics and instruct younger researchers. 

You are the person we are looking for if you have a relevant doctoral degree in physics and a strong experience in computational methods used in atomistic simulations of nanostructures (such as density functional theory and molecular dynamics method), as well as experience in optimizing simulation codes for various supercomputer platforms. Strong record on multidisciplinary research is considered beneficial. In order to successfully carry out the required tasks the candidate will need to have initiative, organizational skills and interactive and co-operative skills in a multi-cultural environment. The position also requires proficiency in both oral and written English.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy 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 lakeland, and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The annual salary range will be approximately 40,000 – 50,000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. There is a trial period of six months at the start of the period of employment.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in pdf format (the file name should contain the name of the applicant): 

1. Curriculum vitae (CV) (A template from The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrit is preferred).
2. Short application / motivation letter
3. Relevant certificates/diplomas
4. Additional documentation of merits to support the application (for example, list of publications, if applicable) 

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 31 May 2021. For further information, please contact: 
- Head of the Department, professor Timo Sajavaara, timo.sajavaara@jyu.fi, puh. +358 40 805 4114, 
- professor Ilari Maasilta, ilari.j.maasilta@jyu.fi, puh. +358 40 805 4098 (Position 1) or 
- professor Hannu Häkkinen, hannu.j.hakkinen@jyu.fi, puh. +358 400 247973 (Position 2). 

Upon the consent of the applicant, a background check can be made on the person to be appointed (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). For more information on the background check and the rights of the subject of the check, see www.supo.fi.
 

The main areas of research at the Department of Physics are nuclear and accelerator-based physics, particle physics, and materials physics. In nuclear and accelerator-based physics the research areas are nuclear structure, especially the physics of exotic nuclei, nuclear models, double beta decay, ion source physics, and applied accelerator-based research. In particle physics the research areas are ultrarelativistic heavy ion collision physics, neutrino physics, and particle cosmology. In materials physics the research areas are nanophysics and quantum technologies, non-equilibrium physics, superconductivity, low temperature physics, computational materials physics and physics of complex materials. Experimental research at the Department is conducted in the Accelerator Laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center (NSC), Tomography Laboratory and in foreign research centers such as CERN and GSI.

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.