Doctoral education pilot / 7 Doctoral Researchers, Particle and Nuclear Physics

We are seeking to recruit seven (7) Doctoral Researchers to the Doctoral Education Pilot in Particle and Nuclear Physics for a fixed term of three years starting on 1.8.2024 or 1.1.2025. The positions are filled to the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science.

The doctoral education pilot in particle and nuclear physics includes research groups in theoretical and experimental particle and nuclear physics and in cosmology, together with teams from the University of Helsinki and LUT university. In the experimental research groups the doctoral researcher could use the facilities of the Accelerator Laboratory JYFL-ACCLAB, one of the major nuclear physics laboratories in Europe hosting hundreds of visiting researchers annually, or CERN, the European laboratory for particle physics. Theoretical and computational research topics range from the origins of matter in the early universe to the structure of atomic nuclei. Computational research is done using supercomputers of the national Center for Scientific Computing CSC. The doctoral training pilot is associated with the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence in Quark Matter. Key connections to industry are provided, for example, through researchers of the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). Potential PhD thesis topics could include

• Inflationary cosmology
• Structure of elementary particles using data from the LHC collider at CERN
• Structure and production of neutron-rich nuclei using transfer reactions
• Machine Learning applied to the analysis of nuclear physics experimental data
• Laser resonance ionisation / sympathetic cooling of radioactive isotopes
• High-precision atomic mass measurements for nuclear astrophysics
• Using detector elements from the ALICE experiment for medical applications

In addition to top-level research in an international environment, the doctoral education pilot will offer training in software development, project management, scientific communication and language skills. Career skills and industry contacts will be developed in common with the whole graduate school.

The doctoral education pilot is a programme funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture for the period 2024-2027 and implemented by Finnish universities, which will fund a total of up to 1,000 new fixed-term doctoral researcher positions and part of the associated supervision. The programme will develop new practices in doctoral training that will enable doctoral researchers to complete their dissertations in three years and support their employment in a wide range of sectors of the Finnish society. Read more about the doctoral education pilot programme at the University of Jyväskylä.

Who we are looking for 

We expect the applicant to have a Master’s level degree in physics, including basic courses in particle or nuclear physics and an appropriate knowledge of mathematics and programming.

Eligibility for the positions requires a degree at the Master’s level and the right to doctoral studies at the University of Jyväskylä. The Master’s degree must be completed by the start of the employment relationship. Applications for postgraduate studies are made through a separate application procedure once you have been selected for the post.

The positions are intended for new doctoral researchers. You can apply if you do not already have a doctoral degree or doctoral study rights, or if your doctoral study rights have started no earlier than 1 November 2023. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by The University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students).

The place of employment is Finland. Permits and registrations are required for non-Finnish nationals to work in Finland. The University’s International Staff Services team will assist selected employees in applying for these. We expect applicants to be motivated to complete their dissertation within the three-year target period and to possibly be employed in Finland after graduation.

What we offer

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's Handbook for international staff and visitors.

The annual salary will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus). As the dissertation work progresses, the salary will be revised in accordance with the General Collective Agreement for Finnish Universities. There is a six-month trial period at the beginning of the employment.

Doctorates from our renewed doctoral programmes will give you the skills to work as an independent researcher or in challenging specialist roles in academia or other sectors of working life. To support your employment in Finland, we offer you the opportunity to study Finnish during your assignment as a Doctoral Researcher.

How to apply

Please attach the following documents in PDF format to your online application:

1. Curriculum vitae written in accordance with the responsible conduct of research and, if possible, using the template for researcher’s curriculum vitae from the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity, and including contact details of 1-2 referees.
2. Motivation letter
3. A numbered list of publications (if applicable)
4. Master’s degree certificate and/or transcript of records in English, Finnish or Swedish

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on the submitted documents following the national recommendations for responsible researcher evaluation in Finland and the principles of the DORA Declaration.

For further information, please contact Professor Tuomas Lappi, tuomas.v.v.lappi@jyu.fi.