Publisher
source

Aalto University

Doctoral Researcher Position in Condensation of Water: From Molecular Clusters to Macroscopic Droplets Aalto University in Finland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Doctoral Researcher position initially funded for 2 years and continued for another 2 years after a successful midterm review. Starting salary is approximately 3142 €/month gross, increasing with progress. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare and research travel.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

Finland

University

Aalto University

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Keywords

Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Heat Transfer
Microscopy
Fluid Mechanics
Interfacial Science
Surface Physics
Phase Change
Physics

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About this position

Doctoral Researcher position at Aalto University in the Soft Matter and Wetting (SMW) group, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, to study condensation of water from molecular clusters to macroscopic droplets and films.

The project is experimentally focused and sits at the intersection of physics, chemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering. Research topics include adsorption, nucleation, growth, coalescence, interfacial phase change, wetting, surface characterization, microscopy, nanofabrication, and micro-/nanoscale heat and mass transfer. The work is part of a collaborative effort with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and combines experiments with theory and molecular simulations.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop new experimental and data-analysis methods, and work with advanced microscopy and surface characterization tools. The position is especially suitable for a candidate who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and wants to help establish experiments at an early stage of a new project.

Eligibility highlights: a suitable Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nanoscience, or a related field; strong interest in experimental research; good programming/data-analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar); and proficiency in English. Experience with microscopy, surface characterization, nanofabrication, or instrument development is an advantage. Finnish is not required.

Funding: Doctoral Researcher contract initially for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years after a successful midterm review. Starting salary is approximately 3142 €/month gross, with Aalto occupational healthcare and research travel included.

Application: submit your application in English via Aalto’s recruitment system. Required documents are a CV, motivation letter, study transcripts, and contact details of at least two referees. Deadline: 2026-09-30.

Supervisory contacts listed in the post: Prof. Robin Ras and Dr. Ali Afzalifar at Aalto University.

Funding details

Doctoral Researcher position initially funded for 2 years and continued for another 2 years after a successful midterm review. Starting salary is approximately 3142 €/month gross, increasing with progress. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare and research travel.

What's required

A suitable Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nanoscience or a related field is required. The candidate should have a strong interest in experimental research on thermodynamics, interfacial science, phase change, wetting, or micro/nanoscale heat and mass transfer. Experience with microscopy, surface characterization, nanofabrication, or experimental instrument development is an advantage. Good data-analysis and programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar) are expected, along with a hands-on approach, patience in troubleshooting, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team. Proficiency in English is required; Finnish is not required.

How to apply

Apply in English through Aalto University’s recruitment system by clicking “Apply now!” on the job page. Submit a CV, motivation letter, study transcripts, and contact details of at least two referees. Apply before 2026-09-30.

More information can be found here

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