Doctoral Researcher, Precision Mass Spectrometry
The Department of Physics is seeking a doctoral researcher in precision mass spectrometry starting on 1.1.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed term of 3.5 years. The reason for the fixed term is postgraduate training.
The doctoral researcher will work in the project ”Ytimet – aineen rakenne ja alkuperä” funded by the Academy of Finland and will perform high-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements using the JYFLTRAP Penning trap of the IGISOL facility. The measurements will investigate fundamental interactions and symmetries in nuclei and produce highly precise data for neutrino physics research through high-precision Q-value measurements. Additionally, the doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to participate in other mass measurements and experiments with the IGISOL facility.
The doctoral researcher will work in an international environment at the University of Jyväskylä Accelerator Laboratory's IGISOL facility. The facility is used for research situated at the interface of fundamental interactions, symmetries, nuclear physics, and atomic physics, utilizing methods of mass spectrometry, ion trapping, and laser spectroscopy. The position offers extensive practical training in precision mass measurements with a Penning trap and data analysis within a large experimental research infrastructure. The duties of the selected applicant will include, among others:
High-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap
Analysis of measurement data and interpretation of results
Presentation of scientific results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Development and upgrade work related to the JYFLTRAP Penning trap
Participation in experiments at the IGISOL radioactive ion beam research facility.
The person we are looking for
The applicant must have a Master's degree in physics or another suitable field, or be in the final stages of completing a degree. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage, but is not essential:
Experimental atomic, nuclear, or particle physics
Ion trapping and handling of charged particles
Mass spectrometry
Vacuum technology and/or scientific instrumentation
Electronics, data acquisition, and/or scientific programming (e.g., Python)
Simulations (e.g., SimIon or COMSOL) and/or data analysis.
The doctoral researcher's tasks focus on research aiming for a doctoral dissertation, postgraduate training, assisting teaching duties, and related other tasks. The duties, eligibility requirements, and language skills of the doctoral researcher are determined by the university's regulations and language skills in the guidelines (doctoral student). The position requires good oral and written English skills in accordance with the requirements set for the right to postgraduate studies. A six-month probationary period is used when filling the position.
The doctoral researcher is required to have a higher university degree and the right to postgraduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. If the selected applicant does not already have the right to postgraduate studies, it must be applied for with a separate application to the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, taking the application periods into account.
We offer
Come and be part of our inspiring and warm community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a valued member of the university community. We do meaningful work and cherish culture. In our multidisciplinary university, you will have the opportunity to influence international research and high-quality academic education. Well-being is important to all of us, and we offer excellent facilities on campus and nearby for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Remuneration is based on the demandingness of the tasks and personal work performance in accordance with the universities' collective agreement. The specific salary part of the doctoral researcher's position is determined according to the demandingness level 2–4 of teaching and research staff tasks. Your salary at the beginning of the employment will be approximately 2500 euros per month. As the doctoral work progresses, the salary is reviewed in accordance with the universities' collective agreement.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and follow the principles of the Developing the Researcher Career and Position (HRS4R). The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) work is based on the values of the European Commission's published European Charter for Researchers and the Code errata on recruitment of researchers (Charter & Code). The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, consistency, and transparency in selection decisions and follows national recommendations for responsible researcher assessment. The University of Jyväskylä is committed to the DORA declaration for responsible researcher assessment and follows the CoARA principles.
Application
Applications must include in PDF format:
A curriculum vitae (CV), prepared following good scientific practice and, where possible, taking into account the CV model (see TENK's guidelines)
A short, free-form cover letter (maximum 2 pages) including your research interests, career goals, and previous experience, as well as your merits in relation to the suitability for this position
A degree certificate (highest degree)
Contact information for at least two referees.
We expect your application in our recruitment system no later than 30.9.2026.
For more information, contact academy professor Anu Kankainen, anu.kankainen@jyu.fi.
Our application process is transparent, professional, and international. We inform applicants openly about the progress of the process at its various stages. We value equality and diversity in our working community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for the position.
The application period begins on September 8, 2026, and ends on September 30, 2026, at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
Department of Physics
The main research areas of the Department of Physics are nuclear physics, particle physics, and materials physics. The research areas of nuclear physics are nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure physics, and applied research using accelerators. In particle physics, the focus is on the strong interaction, ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions, neutrino physics, and particle cosmology. The research areas of materials physics are nanomaterials and thin films, quantum materials and quantum technologies, light-matter interaction, and nanoparticle properties. Experimental research is conducted in the department's accelerator laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscale Science Center laboratory, and in foreign research centers such as CERN. From January 2026, the department will host three Academy of Finland funded centers of excellence: the Quark Matter Center of Excellence, the Quantum Materials Center of Excellence, and the Neutron Star Physics Center of Excellence.
In the human-centered community of the University of Jyväskylä, with 2800 experts and 14,500 students, it is easy for everyone to find their place. It is important to us that our community members are well and have opportunities to grow and develop. Our beautiful park campus is located in the center of Jyväskylä. As a university, we are a smoke-free and scent-free workplace, and we are the third largest employer in Central Finland.