Anu Kankainen

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.

The University of Jyväskylä’s Department of Physics invites applications for up to three Doctoral Researcher positions in nuclear astrophysics, starting in September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. These fixed-term positions (3.5 years) are designed to support the completion of a doctoral thesis and are part of the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The Centre of Excellence status ensures long-term funding, strong connections to Finnish and international research groups, and resources for research visits and conference travel. Successful candidates will join a vibrant research group focusing on nuclear structure and dense matter relevant to astrophysical phenomena, with research tasks tailored to the candidate’s interests in experimental, theoretical, or astrophysical modelling work. The department’s research spans materials physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics, with nuclear physics concentrating on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and applied accelerator-based research. Experimental research is conducted in the Accelerator Laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center, and in international facilities such as CERN and FAIR. Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field. Essential qualifications include a strong background in nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, or experimental techniques, and an interest in computational methods and programming. Preferred skills include familiarity with nuclear structure theory, astrophysical modeling, or experimental nuclear physics techniques, and experience with numerical modeling and programming (Python, C++, Fortran). Good communication skills and motivation for collaborative research are expected. A good command of English is required, and a six-month trial period applies. Candidates must have permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä; after selection, they must apply for postgraduate study rights through the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences. The University of Jyväskylä offers excellent working conditions, prioritizing the wellbeing of its international and multidisciplinary community. Finland provides a high standard of living, free education (including in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, comprehensive healthcare, and a strong work–life balance. Employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä, located in central Finland, offers easy access to nature, a vibrant cultural scene, and a lively student population. Salaries are based on the Finnish University Salary System, with a starting salary of approximately 2500 €/month (gross income) and a holiday bonus. Salary progression is in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. The Centre of Excellence status also supports research visits and conference travel. To apply, submit your application via the recruitment system by May 25, 2026. Required documents (in English and PDF format) include a CV (following the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity template), a motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), degree certificate, and contact details for at least two references. For further information, contact Prof. Anu Kankainen ([email protected]) and Prof. Markus Kortelainen ([email protected]). The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, transparency, and equality in selection decisions, and adheres to the principles of HR Excellence in Research, the European Charter for Researchers, and the DORA Declaration. The application process is professional and international, with open communication throughout. The department values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Nuclear Physics. This fixed-term position, starting March 2, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter), is for two years with the possibility of extension. The role is part of Professor Anu Kankainen’s academy professorship project, “Nuclei – the Structure and Origin of Matter,” funded by the Research Council of Finland. The successful candidate will join the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) team at the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory. The group conducts cutting-edge research on the properties of atomic nuclei using high-precision mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy, and decay spectroscopy. Research topics include nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, neutrino physics, and fundamental interactions. The nuclear astrophysics component is closely linked to the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, also funded by the Research Council of Finland. The group collaborates with leading international accelerator facilities such as GSI-FAIR and CERN. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in developing a new, larger stopping cell with electric-field guidance for fission fragments at IGISOL and contribute to experiments involving various stopping cells, including multinucleon-transfer reaction experiments. The position offers opportunities to work with advanced simulation tools (SIMION, GEANT4, COMSOL) and to gain experience in gas catcher and accelerator facility production methods. Applicants must hold, or be about to complete, a PhD in nuclear physics or a related field. Essential qualifications include a strong background in nuclear physics experiments, proficiency in computational methods and programming (e.g., C++, Python), and excellent communication and teamwork skills. Preferred experience includes work with gas catchers, accelerator facilities, and relevant simulation software. The PhD must be completed before the start date. Good command of English is required. A six-month trial period applies. The University of Jyväskylä offers a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary research environment, with excellent facilities and a supportive community. The salary for this position is approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross), depending on qualifications and experience. Relocation support is provided through a settling-in allowance. The university is committed to equality, diversity, and the principles of HR Excellence in Research. Applications must be submitted online by February 4, 2026. Required documents include a CV, motivation/cover letter, publication list, degree certificate, and contact details for at least two references. An up-to-date and public ORCID profile is mandatory. For further information, contact Prof. Anu Kankainen ([email protected]). For more details and to apply, visit the official application page.

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in nuclear astrophysics, starting March 2, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This fixed-term, two-year position (with possible extension) is part of the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The Centre provides long-term funding, strong national and international research connections, and resources for research visits and conference travel. The successful candidate will join the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) team and collaborate with the nuclear theory group led by Prof. Markus Kortelainen. Research will focus on nucleosynthesis calculations and modeling of the rapid proton capture process in thermonuclear x-ray bursts and/or the rapid neutron capture process in neutron-star mergers. The position offers a unique opportunity to explore nuclear data and their impact on neutron-star physics, in collaboration with Finnish and international partners. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in theoretical or computational nuclear astrophysics, astrophysics, or a closely related field, completed before the start date. Essential qualifications include a strong background in nucleosynthesis and astrophysical simulations, proficiency in computational methods and programming (C++, Python, Fortran), and excellent communication and teamwork skills. Experience with neutron star physics, high-performance computing, and nuclear models is preferred. Candidates must be ready to work in an international research team and meet the University’s language requirements. The position offers a competitive salary (3600–4800 €/month gross, depending on qualifications and experience), determined by the university salary system (demand level 5–6), with a settling-in allowance and support for relocation. Additional benefits include resources for research visits and conference travel, and a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment. The University of Jyväskylä provides excellent working conditions, a lively campus, and is located in a city known for its high standard of living, strong educational and cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. To apply, candidates must submit their application via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by February 4, 2026. Required documents (in English, PDF format) include a CV, motivation/cover letter, publication list, degree certificate, and contact details for at least two references. Applicants must have a public ORCID profile. For further information, contact Prof. Anu Kankainen ([email protected]). The University values equality and diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in experimental nuclear astrophysics. This two-year, fixed-term position (with possible extension) is part of the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The successful candidate will join the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) team, conducting cutting-edge research on the properties of atomic nuclei using high-precision mass spectrometry, laser and decay spectroscopy at the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory. The group collaborates closely with international accelerator facilities such as GSI-FAIR and CERN, and benefits from strong connections with the nuclear theory group led by Prof. Markus Kortelainen and other Centre of Excellence teams. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute significantly to experiments in nuclear astrophysics, focusing on mass measurements and spectroscopic studies at JYFL-ACCLAB and international facilities. The position offers long-term funding, resources for research visits and conference travel, and a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment. The University of Jyväskylä provides excellent working conditions, a lively campus, and comprehensive support for relocation, including a settling-in allowance. Finland offers a high standard of living, free schooling, affordable childcare, and excellent healthcare. Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a PhD in nuclear physics or a related field, with a strong background in nuclear astrophysics or nuclear physics experiments. Proficiency in computational methods and programming (e.g., C++, Python) is required, along with excellent English communication skills. Experience with high-precision mass spectrometry (Penning trap or multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer), familiarity with astrophysical rp and r processes, neutron-star physics, and astrophysical simulations are preferred. The position starts on March 2, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. A six-month trial period applies. The salary is approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross), depending on qualifications and experience, with additional support for research travel and relocation. The University of Jyväskylä values equality, diversity, and transparency in recruitment. For further information, contact Prof. Anu Kankainen ([email protected]). To apply, ensure your ORCID profile is public and up-to-date. Submit your application via the University of Jyväskylä online form by February 4, 2026, including a CV, motivation/cover letter, publication list, degree certificate, and contact details for at least two references. Applications sent via email will not be considered.