Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanoscience and Quantum materials (STM)

University of Jyväskylä; Finland; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental nanoscience and quantum materials research using STM and advanced fabrication of 2D van der Waals heterostructures.

The position starts January 4, 2027 for 1 year with possible extension up to 3 years. The role is fixed-term and located in Jyväskylä, Finland, within the Synthetic Quantum Materials Group.

Qualifications

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or closely related field.
• Hands-on fabrication and characterization of 2D van der Waals heterostructures required.
• Experience with 2D material transfer and cleanroom-based microfabrication preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental experimental research advancing understanding of quantum materials.
• Fabricate and assemble two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures using controlled transfer techniques.
• Perform structural and electronic characterization of fabricated heterostructures.
• Carry out ultrahigh vacuum cryogenic STM measurements.
• Operate and maintain state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy systems.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute actively to a collaborative and high‑performance research environment.

Skills

Fabrication of 2D heterostructures

2D material transfer techniques

Low-temperature STM experience

Education

PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or Materials Science

Tools

Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM)

Cryogenic instrumentation

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Jyväskylä Research Field Chemistry » Other Physics » Condensed matter properties Physics » Electromagnetism Physics » Optics Physics » Quantum mechanics Physics » Other Technology » Nanotechnology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 15 Dec 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Department of Physics is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental research in nanoscience and quantum materials using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and advanced fabrication of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures. The successful candidate will join the Synthetic Quantum Materials Group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will begin on January 4, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter,fora duration of 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.Theposition isfixed-term,as it is related to the research project.

Our research focuses on nanostructured quantum materials, including topological systems, atomically thin 2D materials, and engineered atomic-scale structures exhibiting emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena. A central component of the project is the controlled fabrication, clean assembly, and atomic-scale characterization of van der Waals heterostructures.

Experimental work will utilize advanced cryogenic STM platforms to investigate 2D materials and graphene-based devices.

Available Instrumentation:

• A 1 K STM operating under external magnetic fields up to 8 T
• A 4 K STM integrated with optical spectroscopy, enabling STM-induced luminescence (STML) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) with angstrom-scale spatial resolution

The selected candidate will:

• Conduct fundamental experimental research advancing the understanding of quantum materials
• Fabricate and assemble two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures using controlled transfer techniques
• Perform structural and electronic characterization of fabricated heterostructures
• Carry out ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) cryogenic STM measurements
• Operate and maintain state‑of‑the‑art scanning probe microscopy systems
• Analyze and interpret experimental data
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at international conferences
• Contribute actively to a collaborative and high‑performance research environment

Who should apply

The successful applicant must have:

• A Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in the fabrication and characterization of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (required)
• Practical experience with 2D material transfer techniques and cleanroom‑based microfabrication processes
• Experience in low‑temperature STM measurements (strongly preferred)
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by peer‑reviewed publications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team

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 prioritises 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 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary range will be approximately EUR 3700-4000 per 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 Jyväskyläand Finland.

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

• A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
• A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland .

Department of Physics

Good science, good life! The Department of Physics is an internationally recognised and dynamic research community whose principal research strengths are nuclear physics, particle physics and material physics.Research in nuclear physics covers nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure physics, and applied accelerator-based research. Particle physics research focuses particularly on strong interactions, ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, neutrino physics, and particle cosmology. Research areas in materials physics include nanomaterials and thin films, quantum materials and quantum technologies, light–matter interactions, and the properties of nanoparticles.Experimental research is supported by the Accelerator Laboratory and the Nanoscience Center, as well as extensive global partnerships with major facilities including CERN and FAIR. From 2026, the department has hosted three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) funded by the Research Council of Finland: the CoE in Quark Matter, the CoE in Quantum Materials, and the CoE in Neutron‑Star Physics.The department is committed to high‑quality teaching and student guidance. Our community of around 200 staff members and 300 students offers a supportive, inclusive, and genuinely collaborative environment. Job satisfaction, collegial support and working together are essential parts of the department’s everyday life, where research, education and societal impact are closely interconnected.

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.