Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optomechanics with Polaritons

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

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, invites applications for a Researcher in the Department of Applied Physics. The project aims to reach the quantum regime of optomechanics with polaritons, using GaAs/AlAs microcavities. You will lead experimental efforts and collaborate with partners worldwide.

The role requires a PhD in AMO physics/quantum optics, strong hands-on lab experience, and a track record of publications. English fluency is essential; Finnish is not required.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO physics or quantum optics/optomechanics.
• Strong hands-on experimental skills in optics labs.
• Proven research publications in the field.
• Excellent English communication; teamwork.
• Finnish not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the experimental effort with a team of PhD and master’s students.
• Collaborate closely with theorists and international partners.
• Prepare manuscripts and coordinate submissions; act as corresponding author.
• Contribute to grant writing and research management.

Skills

Hands-on optics lab

Automation of data acquisition

Data analysis

English fluency

Collaboration

Education

PhD in AMO physics/quantum optics/optomechanics

Job description

Organisation/Company AALTO UNIVERSITY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 15 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Other 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

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 of16000 studentsand 5 200 employees, including 446professors. Ourcampusisin 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.

At the Department of Applied Physics, our pioneering research in physical sciences creates important industrial applications that hold great technological potential. Our research focuses on Materials physics, Quantum technology, Soft & living matter, and Advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. We educate future generations of research and development professionals, data specialists, technology experts, inventors, and scientists for industry and society.

The project aims to reach the quantum regime of optomechanics with polaritons by utilizing GaAs/AlAs-based microcavities with embedded quantum wells with applications in quantum transduction between microwave and optical frequencies. These unconventional optomechanical systems exhibit a unique "magic coincidence" of their phonon and polariton properties allowing for the simultaneous trapping of light and sound within the same high-Q cavity, and resulting in extremely high optomechanical interaction for the polaritons and mechanical modes in GHz range. The project is carried out in close collaboration with our partners providing access to complementary expertise and device know-how.

Your role and goals

The successful candidate is expected to lead the experimental effort with a team of PhD and master’s students and collaborate closely with theorists in the group. They will collaborate with our academic and industry partners worldwide. They expected to lead preparation of research manuscripts for publications in top-tier journals, coordinate submissions, and taking the role of corresponding author. Besides the expertise in experimental quantum optics, the candidate will acquire excellent training in grant writing and research leadership provided by Aalto University and at the MQO/QNOF group level by contributing to research management and funding applications within the joint team. Our team has a great record in supporting applications to prestigious national and international postdoc-level funding schemes such as the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship.

Your experience and ambitions

• PhD in one of the following broader experimental areas: AMO physics and quantum optics/optomechanics
• Strong hands-on skills in experimental research (optics lab), including automation of data acquisition and data analysis
• Proven track record of research publications in your field
• Excellent communication skills (fluency in English) and strong collaboration abilities
• Finnish language is not required
• Highly motivated to conduct fundamental research

What we offer

The MQO and QNOF teams combine advanced quantum optics methods in both discrete and continuous variables with cutting-edge solid-state systems aimed at pushing the limits of fundamental research and applications such as quantum sensing.

The position is full-time and initially funded for 2 years, with the possibility of extension till 5 years in total. The starting salary is approximately 4229–4649€/month, depending on experience, and includes occupational healthcare, research travel, and relocation support.

We value a healthy work–life balance and actively support personal and professional development. You will have opportunities to collaborate with leading academic and industry partners and contribute to exciting national and international research initiatives in quantum science and technology.

Note: The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

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