The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en), founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The University has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members.

The Department of physics (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/physics) at the Faculty of Science employs about 200 people, of which 1 is an academy professor, 20 are professors and 3 are associate professors. The research at the department and the research-based teaching follow a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society. The research is very international, and involves very close collaborations with several Big Science institutions including CERN, ESRF, ITER, ESA and ESO.

Within the department, the Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory within the materials physics division focuses on materials of importance for nanotechnology, micro- and optoelectronics, spintronics, fusion technology and particle detectors. Their properties are studied by applying various ion beam based techniques as well as by computational means.

The Department of Physics invites applications for a

DOCTORAL STUDENT

position under the supervision of Prof. Kai Nordlund and Dr. Fredric Granberg, involving also collaboration with the groups of Prof. Filip Tuomisto and Prof. Flyura Djurabekova. The successful applicant will join the Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory and enroll in the Doctoral Programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences (MATRENA) at the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki. The position is fixed-term for 4 years including a trial period of 6 months, and the work is scheduled to commence in September 1st, 2020 or later by agreement. The successful applicant is expected to work full time on the PhD thesis and to complete PhD thesis and the required studies in four years. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Position description

The doctoral thesis work will be part of an Academy of Finland funded research project ”High-entropy alloy design for improved energy efficiency and performance (HEADFORE) 2020-2024”. The project deals with materials synthesis, analysis and modelling to design high-entropy alloys for reliable high-temperature operation, and is a joint project between VTT, Helsinki Institute of Physics and the Department of Physics. Specifically, this position focuses on the computational modelling of high entropy alloys by atomistic simulation techniques. The appointee is expected to prepare manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals, present findings in scientific meetings and workshops, as well as prepare funding applications for travel and research grants.

Requirements

• MSc degree or equivalent (completed, or near to being completed) in physics, materials science or materials chemistry
• Knowledge of basic programming. Experience of atomistic simulations, machine learning techniques or the Linux environment is considered a plus.
• Fluency in English
• High motivation for academic research, initiative and capability of working both independently and as a member of a team

The appointee must 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 probationary period of 6 months applied in the appointment. If the appointee does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, the appointee must apply for it separately after being selected for the position (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-p...).

Salary and benefits

The salary will be based on level 2 of the demands level table for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be ca. 2300-2500 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The Faculty of Science has strong activities towards enhancing gender equality, diversity and employee wellbeing. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

Applying

To apply, include the following attachments as a single PDF file in your application:

• a CV (including a possible list of publications)
• a copy of your transcript records (the courses you completed during your M.Sc. program)
• contact details of two references (e.g. a M.Sc. thesis or an internship supervisor)
• a cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing your research interests and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project

Submit your application with its attachments through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link ”Apply for the position”.

Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal.

The deadline for the application is August 15th, 2020.

Additional information

For further information, contact Prof. Kai Nordlund, kai.nordlund(at)helsinki.fi.

For more information on the research group and publications, see: http://www.acclab.helsinki.fi/sim/

For more information on The Doctoral Programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences (MATRENA), see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/doctoral-schools-...

Due date

15.08.2020 23:59 EEST