Doctoral Researcher in High-precision Mass Spectrometry University of Jyväskylä in Finland

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher in high-precision mass spectrometry for a fixed-term period of 3.5 years, starting in January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is embedded in the Research Council of Finland funded project Nuclei – the Structure and Origin of Matter and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge experimental research at the IGISOL facility and the Accelerator Laboratory in Jyväskylä, Finland.

The successful candidate will work with the JYFLTRAP Penning-trap mass spectrometer, carrying out high-precision atomic mass and Q-value measurements relevant to fundamental interactions, nuclear symmetries, and neutrino-physics studies. The role also includes participation in other mass measurements and experiments at the IGISOL radioactive-ion-beam facility, along with extensive hands-on training in ion trapping, instrumentation, and data analysis in a large-scale international research environment.

Typical work includes high-precision measurements at JYFLTRAP, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, presentation of results at international conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals, development and upgrades related to the Penning trap, and participation in IGISOL experiments. The department’s research spans nuclear physics, particle physics, materials physics, and related areas, with experimental research conducted at the Accelerator Laboratory, the Nanoscience Center, and international facilities such as CERN and FAIR.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree in physics or a related field. A good command of English is required. Prior experience in experimental atomic, nuclear, or particle physics; ion trapping; mass spectrometry; vacuum technology; electronics; scientific programming; simulations; or data analysis is helpful but not mandatory. The selected researcher must have permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä and later apply for postgraduate study rights through the Faculty of Mathematics and Science.

The position offers a starting salary of about 2500 €/month gross under the Finnish University Salary System, with salary progression linked to thesis work and a holiday bonus. The university highlights good working conditions, international and multidisciplinary collaboration, relocation support for candidates coming from abroad, and a strong commitment to research integrity, fairness, DORA, and CoARA principles.

Applications must be submitted in English through the recruitment system by 30 September 2026. Required documents are a CV prepared according to good scientific practice, a short motivation letter (maximum two pages), the highest degree certificate, and contact details for at least two references.