Postdoctoral and Doctoral Researcher, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)
Measured in number of students and teachers, the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki is the largest science faculty in Finland. There are some 6,000 students taking a basic degree. Out of them, some 1,000 are postgraduates. There are some 500 international students, and over 200 researchers and teachers from abroad.
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 31Finland and Tampere University of Technology.
Faculty of Science invites applications for
POST-DOCTORAL AND DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS TO THE RESTART PROJECT
starting earliest November 2025 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 physics and urban meteorology groups at INAR. The computational aerosol physics group uses computational and theoretical methods to understand cluster and particle formation for atmospherically relevant molecules. The urban meteorology group studies urban atmosphere, air quality and greenhouse gas cycle using a wide range of theoretical and experimental methods.
RESTART project studies the future urban chemical cocktail by combining state-of-the-art molecular-level simulations on recently discovered aerosol-forming organic compounds, automated reaction mechanism generators, and high-resolution local scale air quality modelling. The project is funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. Research tasks include
- Developing future emission scenarios for various urban environments;
- Updating and applying reaction mechanism generators describing urban air chemistry;
- Developing volatility estimates relevant for urban chemistry;
- Developing quantum chemistry-based approaches for organic new-particle formation;
- Evaluating and advancing modelling capabilities of the PALM-SALSA model system in simulating urban air quality;
- Mapping changes urban air quality in selected cities.
The applicant should
- Hold a doctoral or master degree in relevant field such as chemistry, physics or meteorology;
- Have good programming skills and interested in code development;
- Have excellent skills in spoken and written English;
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.
Research interests close to the project scope and prior experience of computational chemistry, physics and meteorology are a merit.
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
- Cover letter,
- Curriculum vitae,
- Statement of motivation outlining how your background will fit the project and why you are applying for the position.
You should use the electronic recruitment system of the University of Helsinki via the link “Apply now”. The deadline for applications 31 October 2025.
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Hanna Vehkamäki, hanna.vehkamaki(at)helsinki.fi, and Professor Leena Järvi, leena.jarvi(at)helsinki.fi.
In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Laura Karppinen, laura.karppinen(at)helsinki.fi.
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