Postdoctoral Researcher, Ion Beam Physics
The Department of Physics at the University of Helsinki is a large and multidisciplinary department that offers the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. The department employs about 200 people, of which 2 are academy professors, 20 are professors and 5 associate professors or assistant professors. The research at the department and the research-based teaching follows a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society.
Faculty of Science invites applications for
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ION BEAM PHYSICS
Starting September 2025 or as agreed. The Postdoctoral researcher will be offered a 2-year fully funded contract.
Are you interested in working with ion accelerators in the field of condensed matter physics? Are you looking for an environment that fosters competence and friendly atmosphere in an international academic setting? We welcome you to apply for a Postdoctoral position at the University of Helsinki.
Position description
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing ultra-low energy ion implantation technologies for nanomaterials manipulation. They will join the project “Metal atoms on functional nanoplatforms” funded by the Research Council of Finland at the University of Helsinki, and part of the work will be conducted during extended research visits at the Tandem Laboratory in Uppsala University in Sweden.
The project investigates the engineering of 2D nanomaterials by ion implantation. These layered materials act as functional nanoplatforms with versatile use in many fields from quantum optics to nanocatalysis. Traditionally, ion implanters often operate at the keV-MeV energy range, but much lower energies are required for implantation into 2D materials (10-200 eV). The key part of the responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher is to further develop, test and work with the ultra-high-vacuum instrumentation designed for ion implantation at ultra-low energies.
The employment will be in Helsinki at the Accelerator Laboratory with extended research visits to the Tandem Laboratory at Uppsala University.
Selection criteria
The candidate should have an PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering or other comparable field. The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment. Good oral and written English skills are required. A problem-solving mindset and good communication and interpersonal skills are essential for the role. The candidate should have extensive background and training in the operation of vacuum instrumentation and ion accelerator technology (such as ion sources and ion beam optics). Hands on experience with ion optics software, such as SIMION (https://simion.com/), is considered a merit. Experience working with nanomaterials and surface characterisation methods including Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy are considered an advantage but are not essential. A demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students is desired.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
What we offer
The University of Helsinki offers the appointee a first-class research and teaching environment as well as the preconditions necessary for international cooperation (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki).
The salary of the positions will be based on levels 5 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. 3700-3900 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
The University of Helsinki provides its staff with occupational health and sports services as well as professional development opportunities (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/staff-benefits). International staff is supported in relocating to Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome).
Applications must have the following enclosures (in English):
- Cover, highlighting why you are applying for this position and summarising your research experience. Max 1 A4 page.
- CV, including a full contact details of at least two referees, such as earlier supervisors (or letters of recommendation, if already available).
- list of publications.
The deadline for applications is May 21st 2025.
Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki recruitment system via the button “Apply now”.
Further information about the position can be obtained from Academy Research Fellow Harriet Åhlgren, harriet.ahlgren(at)helsinki.fi.
If you have questions related to the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Laura Karppinen, laura.karppinen(at)helsinki.fi.