Publisher
source

Aalto University

PhD in Thin Films for Electrocatalysis at Aalto University Aalto University in Finland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Fixed-term doctoral researcher contract initially for 2 years, with possible extension after successful evaluation and depending on progress, revised project plan, and available funding. Starting salary is 3142.65 €/month gross and the contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits.

Deadline

Oct 11, 2026

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Country

Finland

University

Aalto University

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Keywords

Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Thin Film
Atomic Layer Deposition
Electrocatalysis
Physics

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About this position

Doctoral researcher (PhD student) position at Aalto University in thin films for electrocatalysis, hosted by the Atomic Scale Processing group of Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science. The project focuses on developing active, durable, and cost-efficient thin film electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant elements for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers.

You will work on atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin film catalysts, physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, development of test protocols, and dissemination through publications and conference presentations. Optional directions include operando studies and laboratory-scale electrolyzer testing. The role combines materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, and electrochemistry, with strong links to ALD and electrochemistry research at Aalto University.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Materials Physics, or a related field; experimental laboratory research experience; strong English writing and speaking skills; and the ability to work independently and in a collaborative international environment. Experience with ALD, thin film deposition, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry, or thin-film characterization is advantageous. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility and admission criteria for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering.

Funding and conditions: fixed-term contract initially for 2 years, with possible extension after evaluation and depending on progress and available funding. Starting salary is 3142.65 €/month gross, plus occupational healthcare benefits. The primary workplace is Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland. Preferred start date is October–December 2026.

Application deadline: 11 October 2026. Apply online via Aalto University’s recruitment site with a CV and motivation letter. Only applications submitted through the online system will be considered.

Funding details

Fixed-term doctoral researcher contract initially for 2 years, with possible extension after successful evaluation and depending on progress, revised project plan, and available funding. Starting salary is 3142.65 €/month gross and the contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits.

What's required

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Materials Physics, or a related field. Experience in experimental laboratory research is required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment and strong academic writing and verbal communication skills in English. Advantageous skills include atomic layer deposition, other thin film deposition techniques, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry, and thin film characterization techniques. Applicants must also meet the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering.

How to apply

Submit your CV and motivation letter through Aalto University’s recruitment site by 23:59 EET on 11 October 2026. Applications are accepted only through the online recruitment system; email submissions are not considered. Contact Miika Mattinen for role questions and Eeva Käki for application-process questions.

More information can be found here

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