Summary
The University of Jyväskylä is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the newly funded DopCool project, focused on developing laser-based Doppler and sympathetic cooling techniques for short-lived radioactive ions. The research will support ultra-high-precision mass measurements at the IGISOL facility and JYFLTRAP Penning-trap mass spectrometer.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Doppler and Sympathetic Cooling of Radioactive Ions, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher – Doppler and Sympathetic Cooling of Radioactive Ions
Position Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Jyväskylä |
| Department | Department of Physics |
| Research Facility | IGISOL, Accelerator Laboratory |
| Project | DopCool – Doppler and Sympathetic Cooling for Ultra-High Precision Mass Measurements of Short-Lived Radioactive Ions |
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Contract | Fixed-term, initially 1 year; possible extension up to 2 additional years |
| Starting Date | November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter |
| Salary | Approximately €3,700–€4,200/month gross |
| Location | Jyväskylä, Finland |
| Application Deadline | 25 September 2026 |
Research Area
Experimental nuclear, atomic and particle physics; laser cooling, ion trapping, radioactive-ion-beam physics and precision mass spectrometry.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should:
- Hold a PhD degree before the starting date in a relevant field.
- Have research experience in experimental atomic, nuclear or particle physics.
- Demonstrate experience with laser systems, vacuum technology and instrumentation.
- Have experience in electronics, data acquisition, scientific programming such as Python, and data analysis.
- Possess strong motivation for experimental research and excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Have good written and spoken English skills and the ability to work in an international research environment.
Desirable experience includes Doppler/sympathetic cooling, ion trapping and charged-particle manipulation, mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy, radioactive-ion-beam production using IGISOL/ISOL techniques, and mentoring students.
Job Description
The selected researcher will:
- Develop and operate laser-cooling systems for trapped ions.
- Optimize the laser-cooling trap developed with collaborators at KU Leuven.
- Design, commission and optimize beam-manipulation devices for ion injection.
- Integrate the laser-cooling trap with the JYFLTRAP Penning-trap mass spectrometer.
- Perform Doppler and sympathetic cooling measurements of stable and radioactive ions.
- Investigate ultracold ion ensembles and their applications in precision mass spectrometry.
- Participate in experiments at the IGISOL radioactive-ion-beam facility.
- Develop simulation tools to study ion motion and cooling dynamics.
- Present results at international conferences and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with researchers internationally and participate in mass-spectrometry and laser-spectroscopy experiments.
Salary & Benefits
The salary is approximately €3,700–€4,200 per month gross, depending on qualifications and experience, under the Finnish University Salary System. Employees receive a holiday bonus, and international recruits receive relocation support. The position includes a six-month trial period.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Jyväskylä online recruitment system. Email applications are not considered.
The application should include:
- CV prepared according to good scientific practice.
- Motivation/cover letter of maximum two pages, explaining research interests, career goals, experience and relevant merits.
- Numbered list of scientific and other publications.
- Highest degree certificate.
- Two reference letters, sent directly to franziska.m.maier@jyu.fi.
Applicants must also ensure that their ORCID profile is up to date and that publications are publicly visible.
Apply Online: University of Jyväskylä – Postdoctoral Researcher in Doppler and Sympathetic Cooling of Radioactive Ions
Last Date to Apply
📅 25 September 2026
The position is scheduled to begin in November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
