Doctoral Researcher in thin films and electrocatalysis

At Aalto University, science and art meet technology and economics. We build a sustainable future by achieving breakthroughs in our key areas and at their intersections. At the same time, we inspire future changemakers and create solutions to the world's great challenges. Our university community includes 16,000 students, 446 professors, and over 5,000 employees, representing a total of over 120 nationalities. Our campus is located in Otaniemi, Espoo. Diversity is part of us, and we work continuously to ensure the diversity and non-discrimination of our community. Therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) is one of Aalto University's six schools. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

The Atomic Scale Processing research group (Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen) at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (CMAT) is now looking for:

A Doctoral Researcher in the field of thin films and electrocatalysis

Are you excited about materials, sustainable development, and understanding how things work (or do not)? Are you interested in the fabrication of thin film materials, elucidating their structure and electrochemical performance, and utilizing this knowledge to develop devices significant for applications?

We are looking for a curious and goal-oriented doctoral researcher to develop active, sustainable, and affordable thin film electrocatalysts based on abundant elements in the earth to facilitate hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEM). Thin film catalysts can act as a bridge from fundamental insights gained from uniform model catalysts to nanostructured electrodes designed for industrial electrolyzers. The project combines in-depth surface chemistry research and engineering sciences to achieve concrete impact.

Your role and responsibilities

As a doctoral researcher, you will grow thin film catalysts primarily using the ALD method (atomic layer deposition) and characterize them physically, chemically, and electrochemically to understand their performance, structure, and the changes occurring within them. Your main tasks include:

Growth of promising HER and OER electrocatalyst materials using the ALD method, utilizing published processes and developing new ALD processes as needed

Characterization of the grown films (composition, crystallinity, morphology...) using diverse spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray, etc. techniques

Electrochemical testing under HER and OER conditions and the development of testing protocols

Publication of research results in scientific articles and presentation at conferences

Depending on your interest, you can also delve deeper into the structure of electrocatalysts during operation (operando) or perform, for example, laboratory-scale electrolyzer testing.

You will have the opportunity to develop into an expert in both thin films and electrochemistry – fields that are central to many important technologies and sustainable development. Depending on the task, you will work independently, as part of a research group, and with collaborators to achieve the project's goals. The project offers opportunities to participate in international conferences and research visits.

Your network and team

The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science offers a multidisciplinary working environment focused on the micro, nano, and atomic-scale modification of compounds and materials. You will work with your doctoral supervisor, Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen, in the Academy Researcher project "Thin film precatalysts for water electrolysis (ThinCat)". You will be a member of Prof. Mattinen's newly established Atomic Scale Processing group, working together with the researcher to be recruited for the ThinCat project, researchers to be recruited for the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant (which develops better PEM electrolyzers using ALD), and other future team members.

The research is closely linked to the department's strong expertise and research in the fields of ALD (Prof. Maarit Karppinen and Prof. Ville Miikkulainen) and electrochemistry (Prof. Tanja Kallio, Prof. Daniel Martin-Yerga, and Prof. Pekka Peljo). The department also has strong expertise in simulation and computation, as well as functional materials and synthesis. In addition to the department's other groups, you will also work with international collaborators.

We expect from you

A higher university degree (FM, DI, or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, (materials) physics, or another suitable field

Experience in experimental laboratory research

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment

Strong academic writing and oral communication skills in English

Practical knowledge of one or more of the following is considered an advantage: atomic layer deposition (ALD), other thin film growth techniques, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry, thin film characterization techniques.

Applicants must meet the eligibility and selection criteria of the Aalto University Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering, see Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering | Aalto University. Doctoral studies at Aalto University last approximately four years.

We offer

You will get to work in a field supported by the excellent infrastructure and strong research of the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering in ALD, electrochemistry, and other related fields. Your topic is linked to the purpose of all of Aalto University, which is to build a sustainable future by combining science, art, technology, and economics, and by creating creative solutions to the world's great challenges, such as the climate crisis.

In this position, you will acquire unique core expertise combining thin film growth and electrocatalysis. This allows you to develop your own ideas and scientific independence while working as part of an inclusive, curious, and ambitious research team. Aalto University offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for learning and growth according to your interests and needs.

We offer a fixed-term employment contract initially for two years. During the first 6 months, you must apply for and be granted study rights in the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering. At the end of the first two-year period, the contract may be extended following a successful evaluation of the task. The extension contract depends on the result of the evaluation, the updated research plan, and available funding.

The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is 3,142.65 €/month. The employment contract includes Aalto University's occupational healthcare.

The desired start date is October–December 2026, and the exact date will be agreed upon with the selected person.

We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. The primary workplace is the Otaniemi campus in Espoo. Life on the renewed campus is vibrant, characterized by wonderful architecture, peaceful nature, and many cafes, restaurants, and services, supported by excellent public transport connections.

Interested?

If you are excited about the position and want to join us, please send your CV and motivation letter through our recruitment system no later than 23:59 (EET) on 11.10.2026.

Current employees of Aalto University should apply for the position using their own employee profile through the Workday system (internal jobs). Aalto students or visitors apply using their personal email address (not aalto.fi) through the external Open Jobs page.

Please note that only applications submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications sent by email or other means will not be processed.

For more information about the position, contact Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi). For questions regarding the application, contact HR partner Eeva Käki (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

We process applications continuously and may invite suitable candidates for an interview during the application period.