Are you interested in contributing to cutting-edge research in atmospheric science, climate change, and advanced measurement technologies? Tampere University in Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher position within the Aerosol and Cloud Particle Optics group, a key division of the university’s world-renowned Aerosol Physics Laboratory.
This fully-funded doctoral scholarship offers a unique opportunity to work on next-generation photoacoustic measurement technologies. The research will focus on developing, characterizing, and calibrating advanced tools to measure black carbon emissions, aligned directly with new European clean air directives.
Scholarship Overview
Here is a quick summary of this doctoral researcher position at Tampere University:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Researcher (Väitöskirjatutkija) |
| Host Institution | Tampere University (Aerosol Physics Laboratory) |
| Research Area | Photoacoustic Aerosol and Black Carbon Measurements |
| Location | Tampere, Finland |
| Duration | 3 Years (Fixed-Term) |
| Salary | Starting at approximately EUR 3,000 per month |
| Application Deadline | October 18, 2026 (23:59 EET) |
| Preferred Start Date | January 1, 2027 |
Research Area & Project Description
The successful candidate will join the Aerosol and Cloud Particle Optics group. This group is establishing a pioneering research direction in photoacoustic measurement technology within Tampere’s highly collaborative aerosol research ecosystem.
A driving motivation behind this project is the European Union’s Ambient Air Quality Directive (EU) 2024/2881. This directive mandates black-carbon monitoring at both urban and rural monitoring supersites across Europe, creating a major global demand for highly accurate, traceable, and comparable optical measurements of equivalent black carbon (eBC).
As a doctoral researcher, your core tasks will include:
- Contributing to the development and building of a new version of the Photoacoustic Aerosol Absorption Spectrometer (PAAS) instrument for laboratory-controlled testing.
- Developing, testing, and validating novel traceable calibration routines for photoacoustic and optical aerosol instrumentation.
- Conducting laboratory experiments, hands-on instrumentation setups, uncertainty analyses, and advanced data processing.
- Exploring scientific questions such as how atmospheric processes alter the optical properties of black carbon in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be considered for this fully-funded PhD position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements:
- An internationally recognized Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Aerosol or Atmospheric Science, Optics, Photonics, Environmental Science, or a highly related quantitative discipline by the starting date.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Strong motivation for experimental research, multi-disciplinary learning, and instrumentation technology.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience working with scientific or experimental instruments.
- Strong programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent computational tools.
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken); knowledge of Finnish is NOT required.
- Ability to work constructively in a diverse and collaborative team environment.
Preferred (but not mandatory) Skills:
- Previous experience working with photoacoustic or black-carbon measurement tools.
- Familiarity with electronics, data acquisition systems, aerosol calibration methods, or uncertainty analysis.
Scholarship Benefits and Compensation
Tampere University is committed to providing its researchers with an outstanding working environment and competitive compensation package:
- Structured Doctoral Training: Receive close scientific supervision from senior researchers and collaborate alongside a postdoctoral researcher recruited specifically for this project.
- Competitive Salary: Based on the Finnish University Salary System, doctoral researchers typically start with a monthly salary of around EUR 3,000.
- Employee Benefits: Access to comprehensive occupational healthcare services, modern research facilities, flexible working hours, and a personal wellness fund for sports and cultural activities.
- Relocation & Lifestyle: Live in Tampere, Finland’s largest inland city, which is consistently ranked as one of the safest, greenest, and most liveable countries in the world.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application documents online via the Tampere University electronic recruitment system. Please ensure all documents are written in English and formatted as PDFs.
Required Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Prepared in accordance with the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK guidelines).
- List of Publications: Formatted according to the Research Council of Finland (Academy of Finland guidelines).
- Motivation Letter: Detailing your relevant experience, academic interests, and why you are interested in researching photoacoustic aerosol technologies.
- Referees: Contact information for two professional or academic references.
Important Deadlines:
- Application Deadline: October 18, 2026, at 23:59 EET (UTC +3)
For technical inquiries regarding the research project, you may contact Martin Schnaiter (martin.schnaiter@tuni.fi) or Emma Järvinen (emma.jarvinen@tuni.fi).
