Doctoral Researcher

Helsingin yliopisto; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Helsinki is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to develop a mid-IR laser spectrometer for threat chemicals. This role involves collaboration with project partners and contributions to experimental research in trace gas analysis. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a related field and possess strong skills in optical spectroscopy and laser instrumentation. Competitive salary and comprehensive employee services are offered.

Benefits

Occupational health care

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Prior experience with optical spectroscopy and/or laser instrumentation.
• Experience with chemical separation techniques or ion mobility spectrometry is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Able to attain doctoral study right at the University of Helsinki within the trial period.

Responsibilities

• Develop a mid-IR laser spectrometer for threat chemicals using CEPAS.
• Collaborate to couple the spectrometer to the GID setup for detection.
• Contribute to experimental research and applications of trace gas analysis.

Skills

Optical spectroscopy

Laser instrumentation

Chemical separation techniques

Ion mobility spectrometry

Excellent communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field

Job description

Overview

University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry is looking for a Doctoral researcher starting from November 2025, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be offered a full-time contract for the maximum duration of 4 years. There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment.

The position is related to the project Gas Ion Separation Combined with Optical Spectroscopy: Next-Generation Detection of Threat Chemicals funded by the Research Council of Finland in the research group of University Lecturer Markus Metsälä. The project is a collaboration with VERIFIN and the goal is to combine ultra-sensitive photoacoustic spectroscopy with a novel, rapid chemical separation technique, Gas Ion Distillation (GID). The Doctoral researcher will develop a mid-IR laser spectrometer for threat chemicals using cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (CEPAS) and will work with project partners to couple the spectrometer to the GID setup for sensitive and chemically selective detection of chemical warfare agents.

University of Helsinki has a long history of applying CEPAS for various gas sensing applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop a mid-IR laser spectrometer for threat chemicals using cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (CEPAS).
• Collaborate with project partners to couple the spectrometer to the Gas Ion Distillation (GID) setup for sensitive and chemically selective detection of chemical warfare agents.
• Contribute to experimental research and applications of trace gas analysis within an international, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Optimal candidate should have prior experience with optical spectroscopy and/or laser instrumentation.
• Previous experience with chemical separation techniques or ion mobility spectrometry is considered an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• The applicant should either hold a doctoral study right at the University of Helsinki or be able to attain one within the 6 months trial period at the beginning of employment.

Offer and Conditions

The salary is based on the collective agreement followed by Finnish universities, with starting salary typically in the range of 2500-2800 €/month. The position is full-time for up to 4 years with a six-month trial period. The University offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and professional development opportunities.

Application and Contact

Applicants should apply through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. Internal applicants from the University should apply through SAP Fiori. The applicant is asked to provide a motivational letter, an academic CV, a degree certificate and a record of studies. In the motivational letter, please include a brief description (about 200 words) of how past experience or studies relate to the research topic and provide contact details for references. Applications will be processed before the deadline and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Deadline: September 29, 2025 (23:59 UTC+3).

Contact: Dr. Markus Metsälä (markus.metsala(at)helsinki.fi)