Postdoctoral Researcher in Mathematical Physics

The department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki invites applications for

Postdoctoral Researcher in Mathematical Physics

for a fixed term of two years, with a possible extension to a third year depending on the progress of work and funding. The starting date is between the first of October 2025 and the first of December 2025. There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment. 

Position description

The postdoctoral researcher will work in the research group of Professor Christian Webb and be funded by the ERC consolidator grant project CONFSTAT – Conformally invariant and near critical models in statistical field theory. The work of the postdoctoral researcher will focus on studying conformally invariant models of statistical field theory, such as the scaling limit of the critical Ising model or the Liouville model, or near critical models of statistical field theory, such as the sine-Gordon model, the scaling limit of the near critical Ising model, or the massive Thirring model.

Qualifications
We are looking for applicants with a PhD in mathematics or theoretical physics, with experience in mathematically rigorous statistical field theory, for example, topics involving constructive quantum field theory, renormalization group theory, conformal field theory, or analysis of near critical models.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Good co-operation and interaction skills are considered to be an advantage for the applicant.

What do we offer?
We offer you a highly international research environment with excellent opportunities to build up your professional expertise and scientific network.

The salary of the successful candidate will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. For a postdoctoral researcher, the starting salary is typically 3800-4050 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 University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. 

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. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

How to apply
The application should include the following documents as a single PDF file (in English):

• Cover letter outlining the applicants experience with statistical field theory and their interest in studying the topics of the project (max 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications

Include also in your cv contact information of three people, who are willing to provide a reference letter by a separate request. 

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system. Applicants, who are employees of the University of Helsinki, are requested to leave their application by using the Employee Login.

The deadline for submitting the application is August 15th, 2025 (at 23:59 UTC + 3).

Additional information

For more information on the position and operational environment, contact Professor Christian Webb (christian.webb(at)helsinki.fi).

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Services (hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi).

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The University of Helsinki, 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. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations.

As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Helsinki is the biggest university department of mathematical sciences in Finland. The department hosts several current ERC grants of the European Research Council and two Centres of Excellence of the Academy of Finland.