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.

The Active Matter research group at the Department of Applied Physics is looking for an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the field of soft matter physics (especially electrohydrodynamics and electrokinetics).

The role and goals of the Postdoctoral Researcher

The goal of the Postdoctoral Researcher is to study complex phenomena taking place in colloidal dispersions in electric fields. The chosen Postdoctoral Researcher will utilize various experimental and computational methods and work closely with other members of the research group.

Your experience and skills

• Interest in the soft condensed matter physics - especially droplets and colloids and controlling them using external fields.
• Passion towards designing and constructing experimental setups – especially related to advanced optical imaging and microscopy with streamlined data acquisition and processing.
• Proficiency in searching and processing scientific and technical information.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of an international and multidisciplinary research group.
• PhD degree in the field of soft condensed matter physics or a closely related field.
• Excellent command of English. Finnish language is not required.
• Existing skills and knowledge in electrochemisty, electrokinetics or electrohydrodynamics are considered as strong assets.

What we offer

We offer a fully funded Postdoctoral project for one talented Postdoctoral Researcher in the Active Matter research group led by Prof. Jaakko Timonen. The group consists currently of 1 Research Fellow, 6 Postdoctoral Researchers and 4 Doctoral Researchers, in addition to the Principal Investigator and several undergraduates. The group is strongly multidisciplinary and currently active in the physics of living matter (mammalian cells, microalgae, bacteria), electrohydrodynamics, electrokinetics, magnetic fluids and capillary phenomena.

The position of the Postdoctoral Researcher is initially filled for 2 years. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1612 hours. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary ranges for a postdoc from 3900€ to 4300€ per month (gross salary), depending on previous experience. 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 transformed campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the recently opened metro line.

Join us!

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

• Brief cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for this position
• CV including a list of publications
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• PDF copy of your PhD thesis or a link (URL) to a repository where it can be found
• Recommendation letter(s) and/ contact details of those who can give a recommendation

The deadline for applications is 30 November 2023. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. 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. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

See the group webpage ( https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-applied-physics/active-matter) and contact Prof. Jaakko Timonen ([email protected]) for more details of this position.

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).

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: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

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: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/living-in-finland.

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