Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) is a multi- and interdisciplinary research unit based in physics, chemistry, meteorology, forest sciences, environmental sciences and social sciences in the University of Helsinki. INAR aims to strengthen the internationally leading, integrated multidisciplinary research and education environment for atmospheric and Earth system science and to feed in scientific results for the national and international environment and climate policy. It performs multiscale research from molecular to global scale and focuses on climate change, air quality, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem processes. INAR has INAR Finland Network partners in Finnish Meteorological Institute, University of Eastern Finland and Tampere University of Technology. 

Faculty of Science invites applications for  

POST-DOCTORAL AND DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS TO THE ORCTOOL PROJECT   

Starting spring 2026 for a full-time fixed-term contract of two to four years depending on the position.

The hired researchers will work as part of the computational aerosol group at INAR. The computational aerosol physics group uses computational and theoretical methods to understand cluster and particle formation for atmospherically relevant molecules.  

ORCTOOL (Organic Cluster Tools) aims to create a toolbox for understanding and cost-effectively predicting the rate of massively multicomponent organic, or organic-enhanced, new-particle formation in the atmosphere. We will combine our molecular-level model development  with machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, targeted validation experiments. The project is funded by The Research Council of Finland. In the first stages of the project the research tasks include test and extend group contribution methods for predicting aerosol-relevant bulk properties such as pure-compound saturation vapor pressures develop suitable representations (descriptors) for both the clusters and their building blocks to facilitate efficient use of machine learning method for predicting cluster stabilities test, validate, and extend the cluster-of-functional-groups approach to predict whether and how strongly the organic vapour enhances clustering of driven by inorganic molecules model cluster formation in ‘clean’ engine exhaust driven by lubricants and their additives, involving also nitric acid formed from emitted NOX,   sulphuric acid as well as catalyst-created ammonia.

The applicant should:

• Hold a doctoral or master degree in relevant field such as physics or  chemistry;
• Have good programming skills and interest in code development; 
• Have excellent skills in spoken and written English;  
• Research interests close to the project scope and prior experience of computational physics and/or chemistry as well as machine learning/artificial intelligence are a merit. 

The appointee for the doctoral researcher position should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the trial period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately (www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell). The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents. 

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. The University of Helsinki is a top 100 ranked university in most ranking lists, and invests heavily in Earth system research, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/institute-for-- atmospheric-and-earth-system-research-inar 

Working language is English. The starting salary of the position will be 3700-3900 euros/month for postdoctoral and 2600-2800/month for doctoral researcher, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. The position will be filled with a six months trial period. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university).  

How to apply

Please submit your application consisting of a

• Cover letter which includes a  statement of motivation outlining how your background will fit the project and why you are applying for the position  
• Curriculum vitae.

You should use the electronic recruitment system of the University of Helsinki via the link “Apply now”. The deadline for applications is 13.2.2026. 

For further information about the position, please email  comp-aer-phys-rekry@helsinki.fi 

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact rekrytointi@helsinki.fi.  

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
 
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