Postdoctoral Researchers in Computational Nanoscience

The Faculty of Mathematics and Science and its Department of Physics are seeking to recruit candidates for several positions of Postdoctoral Researchers in computational nanoscience. The positions will start on October 1st, 2024, or as agreed, for a fixed-term of two to three years.

The researchers will work in the research group of Professor Hannu Häkkinen in a project (DYNANOINT) funded by the European Research Council. The DYNANOINT project aims to understand dynamical properties of interfaces between nanometer-size metal clusters and biomolecules, and to develop applications of metal nanoclusters in bioimaging, biosensing and nanomedicine. In order to reach the goals, the project develops new multiscale simulation strategies, assessing critically graph theory and machine learning methods as potential accelerators for discovery of structure-function relationships combined with traditional electronic structure methods and force-field based dynamical simulations. The project offers several possibilities for close collaborations with experimental groups in USA, Canada, Denmark and Singapore. The post-doctoral researchers will have a possibility to jointly supervise PhD projects with the project PI.

The research group of Professor Häkkinen works at the JYU’s Nanoscience Center, a multidisciplinary research organization where physicists, chemists and biologists work together to study nature at the nanoscale. The NSC is an international scientific community, with research projects ranging from basic research on nanostructure processes to the development of commercial products.

Requirements

1. Doctoral degree in a suitable sub-area of computational physics, computational chemistry, computational materials science or information technology (focusing on machine learning)
2. Capability of conducting independent research, solid communication skills in English language and scientific writing, ability to work in a diverse, multicultural team, and at least two of the qualifications 3-7
3. Experience in electronic structure calculations of nanomaterials, nanoparticles or atomic clusters
4. Experience in Density Functional Theory (DFT) both in the ground state and time-dependent formalisms, and its implementation in at least one of the widely used DFT software such as GPAW, ADF, VASP, and/or QM/MM methods
5. Experience in classical molecular dynamics (MD) methods applied to biological systems
6. Experience in developing or applying machine learning methods in data analysis and/or atomistic simulations
7. Programming skills and ability for method development and implementation

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

We offer

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security in the world. It includes for example sickness benefits, various family benefits, comprehensive healthcare system and excellent public schools. Please read more about  working at the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland.  

A competent and prosperous scientific community

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a respected member of the university community, where you get the opportunity to learn from your colleagues in your own field, and where you also get a chance of meeting high-level researchers from the full spectrum of science and humanities. Here the barriers between disciplines are low, and we encourage our employees to cross them in their daily work. We offer you meaningful work where you can make true impact not only in your own field, but also to the society at large.  

You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community where the well-being of everyone is important. We provide a good setting for a mobile and healthy lifestyle on and around campus. Jyväskylä region provides an excellent balance between ambitious work and chance to relax after work, with beautiful nature and various sport and cultural activities within close distance from home and work.

Salary

The initial annual salary range for post-doctoral researchers will be approximately 44,000 – 51,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus) depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.

How to apply

The application should include: (the name of the applicant must always be mentioned in the file name)

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
2. A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicants ability and merits
3. Motivation letter, including discussion on the suitability of applicant’s background and expertise for the position
4. Relevant certificates / diplomas
5. Research plan is not mandatory, please submit a blank file insted.

For further information, please contact Professor Hannu Häkkinen, hannu.j.hakkinen@jyu.fi.

Evaluation of the candidates may begin before the application deadline.