PhD Researcher: Condensation on Surfaces & Interfaces

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo, Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the Soft Matter and Wetting (SMW) group, Department of Applied Physics. You will experimentally study water condensation on surfaces, building experiments, and shaping scientific questions within a collaborative project with FMI.

We seek an enthusiastic, curious researcher with a strong experimental mindset, capable of developing methods, and eager to pursue a PhD.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nanoscience or related field.
• 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, troubleshooting patience, 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 and surface characterization.
• Prepare and characterize surfaces and investigate how molecular-scale properties influence condensation.
• Develop experimental and data-analysis methods to follow condensation across scales.
• Collaborate with researchers at Aalto and FMI, including theory and simulations.
• Publish results in journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Experimental mindset

Python

MATLAB

Data-analysis

English proficiency

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nanoscience or related field

Tools

Microscopy

Surface characterization

Nanofabrication

Experimental instrument development

Job description

Aalto University in Espoo, Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the Soft Matter and Wetting (SMW) group, Department of Applied Physics. You will experimentally study water condensation on surfaces, building experiments, and shaping scientific questions within a collaborative project with FMI.

We seek an enthusiastic, curious researcher with a strong experimental mindset, capable of developing methods, and eager to pursue a PhD.