PhD Researcher: Condensation from Molecules to Droplets

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

Job summary

Aalto University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the Soft Matter and Wetting group, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Espoo. The project studies how water condenses from molecular clusters to macroscopic droplets using advanced microscopy and simulations.

The role combines surface engineering, theory, and experiments with collaborators at FMI, offering a path to a PhD.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nanoscience or related field is required.
• Strong interest in experimental research and topics such as 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).
• Hands-on approach to experiments, troubleshooting, and good communication, able to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in English (Finnish not required).

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to study adsorption, nucleation, growth, and coalescence during water condensation at micro- and nanoscale.
• Use and develop advanced microscopy techniques, including high-resolution electron and optical microscopy, plus surface characterization methods.
• Prepare and characterize well-defined surfaces and investigate how their molecular-scale properties influence condensation behavior.
• Develop experimental and data-analysis methods to follow condensation across different length and time scales.
• Collaborate with researchers at Aalto University and FMI, including theory and molecular simulations.
• Publish results in scientific journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

Programming skills

Experimental mindset

Teamwork

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in physics or related field

Tools

Microscopy

Surface characterization

Data analysis tools

Job description

Aalto University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the Soft Matter and Wetting group, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Espoo. The project studies how water condenses from molecular clusters to macroscopic droplets using advanced microscopy and simulations.

The role combines surface engineering, theory, and experiments with collaborators at FMI, offering a path to a PhD.