PhD Researcher – Soft Matter & Wetting Experiments

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; 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 within the Department of Applied Physics. The project experiments water condensation on surfaces, linking molecular-scale engineering, advanced microscopy, theory, and simulations.

Based in Espoo, the candidate contributes to foundational science with applications in energy-efficient heat transfer, antifogging surfaces, and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, fluids, nanoscience or related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research on thermodynamics, interfacial science, phase change, wetting, or micro/nanoscale heat and mass transfer.
• Experience with microscopy, surface characterization, nanofabrication, or instrument development is an advantage.
• Good data-analysis and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Hands-on approach, troubleshooting patience, strong communication, teamwork ability.
• Fluency in English; Finnish language 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 methods.
• Prepare and characterize surfaces; investigate molecular-scale properties on condensation behavior.
• Develop experimental and data-analysis methods across length/time scales.
• Publish results, present at international conferences, collaborate with theory and simulations.

Skills

Experimental mindset

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in physics/related field

Tools

Microscopy instruments

Electron microscopy

X-ray techniques

Surface characterization

Job description

Aalto University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the Soft Matter and Wetting group within the Department of Applied Physics. The project experiments water condensation on surfaces, linking molecular-scale engineering, advanced microscopy, theory, and simulations.

Based in Espoo, the candidate contributes to foundational science with applications in energy-efficient heat transfer, antifogging surfaces, and related technologies.