Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis

Aalto University Executive Education Oy; Finland; Remote; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational healthcare

Job summary

Aalto University invites applications for a Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis in Espoo, Finland. The position focuses on developing earth-abundant thin film electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, leveraging ALD to connect fundamental insights with real-world electrolyzers.

The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary CMAT group, with opportunities for international conferences and collaboration, while starting a fixed-term contract of

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or related field
• Experience in experimental laboratory research
• Ability to work independently and in international teams

Responsibilities

• Deposit thin film catalysts using ALD and established chemistries
• Characterize deposited films (composition, crystallinity, morphology)
• Conduct electrochemical testing under HER/OER and develop test protocols
• Disseminate findings via publications and conferences
• Opportunity to explore operando studies or electrolyzer testing as interests permit

Skills

English proficiency

Independent work

Collaborative work

Lab work experience

Education

Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

Atomic layer deposition (ALD)

Thin film deposition

Electrochemistry

Film characterization techniques

Job description

Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis

15.9.2026

Application closes on

11.10.2026

Unit

School of Chemical Engineering

Job category

Doctoral Researchers

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Atomic Scale Processing group (Prof. Miika Mattinen) in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (CMAT), is now looking for:

Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis

Are you passionate about materials, sustainability, and understanding how things work (or do not)? Are you interested in synthesizing thin film materials, characterizing their structure and electrochemical performance, and using this knowledge to engineer application-relevant devices?

We are seeking for a curious, self-driven doctoral researcher to develop active, durable, and cost-efficient thin film electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant elements for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) aimed at anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers. Thin film catalysts can bridge fundamental insights obtained from flat model catalysts with advanced nanostructured electrodes engineered for real-world electrolyzers. This project combines deep dives into surface chemistry with engineering to produce a tangible impact.

Your role and goals

As a doctoral researcher, you will deposit thin film catalysts using primarily atomic layer deposition (ALD) and characterize them physicochemically and electrochemically to understand their performance and structure as well as changes in both. Your main tasks include:

• Deposition of promising HER and OER electrocatalyst materials by ALD using established chemistries where available and development of new processes when needed
• Characterization of the deposited films in terms of composition, crystallinity, morphology… using a range of spectroscopic, microscopic, X-ray etc. techniques
• Electrochemical testing under HER and OER conditions and development of test protocols
• Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and conference presentations
• Depending on your interests, you may also dive deeper into the structure of the electrocatalysts during operation (operando) or perform laboratory-scale electrolyzer testing, for example.

You have the opportunity to become an expert in both thin films and electrochemistry – fields that are key to numerous crucial technologies and sustainability. Depending on the task at hand, you will work independently, as a part of a research team and with collaborators to accomplish the goals of the project. The project offers opportunities for international conferences and research mobility.

Your network and team

The CMAT Department offers a multi-disciplinary working environment, focused on micro-, nano-, and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials. You will work in the Academy Research Fellowship project “Thin film precatalysts for water electrolysis (ThinCat)” of Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen, who will be your doctoral supervisor. You will be a member of prof. Mattinen’s recently founded Atomic Scale Processing group, working with a postdoctoral researcher to be recruited for the ThinCat project and researchers to be recruited for European Research Council’s Starting Grant project that uses ALD to engineer enhanced PEM electrolyzers as well as other future team members.

The research is closely linked to strong activities in the department on ALD (Prof. Maarit Karppinen and Prof. Ville Miikkulainen) and electrochemistry (Prof. Tanja Kallio, Prof. Daniel Martin-Yerga, and Prof. Pekka Peljo). The department also has strong research activities in simulation and computation as well functional materials and synthesis. In addition to other groups in the department, you will also work with international collaborators.

Your experience and ambitions

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, (Materials) Physics, or a related field
• Experience in experimental laboratory research
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
• Strong academic writing and verbal communication skills in English
• Hands-on expertise in one or more of the following skills is considered advantageous: atomic layer deposition, other thin film deposition techniques, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry, thin film characterization techniques.

You will be working in a field that aligns with the excellent infrastructure and strong research activities of the School of Chemical Engineering in Aalto University in ALD, electrochemistry, and beyond. Your topic relates to the purpose of Aalto University as a whole, which is to shape a sustainable future by combining expertise in science, art, technology and business to develop creative solutions to the world’s major challenges, such as the climate crisis.

In this position, you will grow a unique core expertise combining thin film deposition and electrocatalysis. With this, you will be able to develop you own ideas and scientific independence while working as a member of an inclusive, curious and ambitious team of researchers. Aalto offers a vast array of professional development opportunities to grow and learn based on your interests and needs.

We offer a fixed term contract initially for 2 years. During the first 6 months you must apply and receive a right to study in the DoctoralProgramme in Chemical Engineering. After a successful evaluation by the end of the first 2 year contract, the contract can be extended. Extension contract is typically based on the progress evaluation, revised project plan and available funding.

The starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is 3142,65 €/month (gross). The contract includes AaltoUniversityoccupational healthcare benefits.

The preferred starting date is October-December 2026 with exact date to be agreed with the selected candidate.

We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

For more information about the role, please contact Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen ([e-mail]). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Eeva Käki ([e-mail]).

We will review the applications continuously, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.