Postdoctoral Researcher in Photomemristor Arrays for Optogenetic-Neuromorphic Interfaces

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational healthcare

Annual working-time framework

Professional development support

Flexible working culture

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo (Otaniemi campus) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on active interfaces between biological neurons and neuromorphic devices. The project develops photomemristor arrays for neural imaging in bio-machine hybrids.

You will design, test, and integrate materials and device structures, using the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics group facilities. Collaborations with University of Massachusetts, Amherst and access to OtaNano and Micronova

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong track record in materials science, electrical engineering, and/or nanofabrication.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to communicate research clearly.
• Motivation to conduct research at international level and publish in high‑impact venues.
• Finnish language skills are not required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate material candidates and device structures for photomemristor arrays.
• Integrate best candidates into a bio-hybrid system with neural processing.
• Collaborate with international partners and publish in high‑impact venues.

Skills

PhD in physics

Materials science

Nanofabrication

English communication

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or related field

Tools

Thin-film deposition

Electronic characterization

Job description

Aalto University, Department of Applied Physics, Nanomagnetism and Spintronics Group; Location: Espoo (Otaniemi campus), Finland; Application deadline: 15 October 2026.

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16000 students and 5200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on active interfaces between biological neurons and neuromorphic electronic devices. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and carried out in collaboration with researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The project develops photomemristor arrays for neural imaging in bio-machine hybrid systems. At Aalto, our focus is the design and fabrication of photomemristor arrays that meet the demands of interfacing with biological systems, including strong photoresponsivity, a suitable wavelength response, and biocompatibility. You will investigate different material candidates and device structures, and integrate the most promising ones into a bio-hybrid system in which neuronal signals are processed in a closed loop. The position is based in the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics group led by Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken. Our lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation for thin-film growth and electronic/optoelectronic characterization, and you will have full access to the OtaNano research infrastructure, including the state-of-the‑art Micronova cleanroom for micro‑and nanofabrication and the Nanomicroscopy Center.

What we are looking for

• A PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• A strong track record in materials science, electrical engineering, and/or nanofabrication
• Excellent written and spoken English, and a demonstrated ability to communicate research clearly (publications, talks, etc.)
• Motivation to conduct research at the highest international level and publish in high‑impact venues
• Finnish language skills are not required.

What we offer

• A 2‑year postdoctoral contract, with a starting salary of 4229,48- 4649,25 € per month (gross), depending on experience
• Access to Aalto's occupational healthcare
• An annual working‑time framework of 1,612 hours
• Support for professional development, including staff training and development programs
• A flexible, modern working culture that values work‑life balance and wellbeing

For additional information, please contact Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken ([e-mail]).

Living in Finland

Living in Finland Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well‑organized Nordic society.

Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report

For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff.

More about Aalto University: Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity

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