Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental nuclear astrophysics

Moventas Wind Ltd; Jyväskylä; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental nuclear astrophysics, starting January 2027 for two years. The role is based at the IGISOL group, leveraging JYFLTRAP and MR-ToF‑MS within the JYFL-ACCLAB facility.

We seek candidates with strong ion-trapping, mass-spectrometry experience, and programming skills, capable of mentoring students and contributing to high‑level research, publications, and conference

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in nuclear physics or nuclear astrophysics.
• Experience with ion trapping and charged-particle manipulation techniques.
• Background in mass spectrometry, preferably Penning trap and MR-ToF-MS.
• Familiarity with radioactive ion beams and nuclear astrophysics.
• Proficient in computational methods and programming (Python).
• Mentoring of students or junior researchers.

Responsibilities

• Perform atomic mass measurements with JYFLTRAP and MR-ToF-MS at IGISOL.
• Contribute to development and application of JYFLTRAP/MR-ToF-MS for decay spectroscopy.
• Participate in experiments at the IGISOL facility and collaborations.
• Present results at international conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Supervise students and summer trainees.

Skills

Ion trapping

Mass spectrometry

Penning trap

MR-ToF-MS

Radioactive ion beams

Nuclear astrophysics

Python programming

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in nuclear physics or nuclear astrophysics

Tools

JYFLTRAP

MR-ToF-MS

IGISOL facility

Penning trap

Job description

The Department of Physics is seeking to recruit aPostdoctoral Researcher in experimental nuclear astrophysics starting January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a duration of 2 years. The position is fixed-term, as it is related to a research project. The research will be carried out within the newly established Centre of Excellence in Neutron‑Star Physics 2026-2033, https://neutronstars.fi/, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The Centre of Excellence status provides us with long‑term funding, strong connections to related Finnish and international research groups, and generous resources for research visits and conference travels.

The local research team at the University of Jyväskylä, the Exotic Nuclei and Beams (IGISOL) group is led by Prof. Anu Kankainen. The group investigates properties of atomic nuclei by employing high-precision mass spectrometry as well as laser and decay spectroscopy at the IGISOL facility in the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory. The conducted research at IGISOL focuses on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, neutrino physics, and fundamental interactions.

The selected postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• Perform atomic mass measurements with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap and/or the Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-ToF-MS) at the IGISOL facility in JYFL-ACCLAB
• Contribute to the development of JYFLTRAP/MR-ToF-MS and their application to decay spectroscopy studies
• Participate in experiments at the IGISOL radioactive‑ion‑beam facility
• Present scientific results at international conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals
• Supervise students and summer trainees.

Who should apply

The successful candidate will significantly contribute to cutting‑edge experiments in nuclear astrophysics, in particular mass measurements and complementary spectroscopic studies in JYFL-ACCLAB.

Qualifications:

• Experience in ion trapping and charged‑particle manipulation techniques
• Experience in mass spectrometry, preferably with a Penning trap and/or multi‑reflection time‑of‑flight mass spectrometer
• Familiarity with the production of radioactive ion beams
• Strong background in nuclear astrophysics is considered as an asset
• Proficiency in computational methods, programming (e.g., Python,..) and data analysis
• Mentoring of less experienced team members (i.e. students)
• Ph.D. degree in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics or related field.

Strong motivation for experimental research and academic career, excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and the ability to work effectively in an international research environment are also considered as essential for the position.

The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

What we offer

Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University’s International Staff Guide.

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task‑specific demand level 5–6 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month(gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.

We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.