Summary
The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher to join their team in high-precision mass spectrometry. This fixed-term position, starting in January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter for 3.5 years, is aimed at the completion of a doctoral thesis within the Research Council of Finland funded project “Nuclei – the Structure and Origin of Matter.” The researcher will perform high-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements using the JYFLTRAP Penning-trap mass spectrometer at the IGISOL facility, contributing to fundamental physics research and neutrino-physics studies.
Designation
Doctoral Researcher
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Jyväskylä, Department of Physics |
| Project | “Nuclei – the Structure and Origin of Matter” (funded by the Research Council of Finland) |
| Research Facility | IGISOL facility, Accelerator Laboratory |
| Duration | 3.5 years (fixed-term) |
| Start Date | January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter |
| Salary (Gross) | Approximately 2500 €/month (starting) |
| Location | Jyväskylä, Finland |
Research Area
The doctoral researcher will focus on high-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements using the JYFLTRAP Penning-trap mass spectrometer. This research will probe fundamental interactions and symmetries in nuclei, providing precision data for neutrino-physics studies. Opportunities to participate in other mass measurements and experiments at the IGISOL facility are also available. The work involves:
- High-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements at JYFLTRAP Penning trap.
- Data analysis and interpretation of results.
- Presentation of scientific results at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Development and upgrades related to the JYFLTRAP Penning trap.
- Participation in experiments at the IGISOL radioactive-ion-beam facility.
Location
Jyväskylä, Finland (University of Jyväskylä, Accelerator Laboratory, IGISOL facility)
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in physics or a related field (or close to completing).
- Good command of English.
- Permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä (to be applied for after selection).
Advantageous (but not required) Experience:
- Experimental atomic, nuclear, or particle physics.
- Ion trapping and charged-particle manipulation.
- Mass spectrometry.
- Vacuum technology and/or instrumentation.
- Electronics, data acquisition, and/or scientific programming (e.g., Python).
- Simulations (e.g., SimIon or Comsol) and/or data analysis.
Scholarship Description
This Doctoral Researcher position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in nuclear physics and fundamental symmetries within an international and multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will receive extensive hands-on training in ion trapping and data analysis at a large-scale experimental facility. The University of Jyväskylä provides a supportive community, excellent working conditions, and a commitment to work-life balance. Finland, consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country, offers a high standard of living, comprehensive benefits, and a vibrant cultural scene in Jyväskylä.
The salary is based on the Finnish University Salary System, with a starting gross income of approximately 2500 €/month, which will be revised with the progress of the thesis work. The university is committed to fairness, consistency, and transparency in its recruitment processes and supports relocation for international applicants.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the recruitment system by the deadline. Required documents, in English and PDF format, include:
- A Curriculum Vitae (following The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity template).
- A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), detailing research interests, career goals, and relevant experience.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
- Contact details for at least two references.
For further information, please contact Academy Professor Anu Kankainen at anu.kankainen@jyu.fi.
Last Date for Apply
September 30, 2026
