Senior Researcher fixed-term position, theoretical physics

Moventas Wind Ltd; Turku; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Well-being services

Career development opportunities

Open University courses

Job summary

The University of Turku invites applications for a Senior Researcher position in theoretical physics, focusing on thermal quantum field theory and early-Universe cosmology as part of the ExPertQCD ERC Consolidator Grant. The role develops new methods and applies them to cosmological phase transitions and gravitational-wave cosmology.

The successful candidate will contribute to advancing perturbative and computational frameworks for finite-temperature QFT and work on problems in early-Universe

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics, particle theory, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research.
• Strong research record in QCD and neutron star EOS physics.
• Experience with analytical or computational methods in theoretical physics.

Responsibilities

• Develop perturbative and computational frameworks for finite-temperature quantum field theory.
• Apply methods to cosmological phase transitions and gravitational-wave cosmology.
• Advance theoretical tools and apply them to early-Universe cosmology and gravitational-wave phenomenology.

Skills

Independent research

QCD & neutron star EOS physics

Analytical/computational methods

Excellent English

Education

PhD in theoretical physics

Job description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Turku, Finland, invites applications for a Senior Researcher position specializing in theoretical physics, particularly thermal quantum field theory and early-Universe cosmology. The position is part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project Frontiers of Perturbative QCD in Extreme Systems (ExPertQCD).

The project develops new theoretical and computational methods in finite-temperature quantum field theory and applies them to problems in cosmological phase transitions and gravitational-wave cosmology. The position offers the opportunity to work on fundamental questions in early-Universe physics and the thermodynamics of quantum fields in extreme environments.

The position is fixed term with a preferred starting date in November 1st, 2026 (or as mutually agreed). The initial appointment is for two years.

Job description

Phase transitions in the early Universe provide a unique window into fundamental physics beyond the Standard Model. In particular, strong first-order cosmological phase transitions can generate stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds potentially observable by upcoming detectors such as LISA.

Within the ERC Consolidator Grant project ExPertQCD, part of the research programme focuses on developing new perturbative and computational frameworks for finite-temperature quantum field theory that complement and extend the standard 3D EFT approach. These methods enable precision studies of cosmological phase transitions and the thermodynamics of quantum fields in extreme environments.

The successful candidate will contribute to advancing these theoretical tools and applying them to problems in early-Universe cosmology and gravitational-wave phenomenology.

Who we are looking for

• PhD in theoretical physics, particle theory, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research.
• Strong research record in QCD and neutron star equation-of-state (EOS) physics.
• Experience with analytical or computational methods in theoretical physics.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

The eligibility requirements for the positions must be met by the end of the application period. We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

• Possibilities to develop your expertise - We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
• Your well-being is important to us! - In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
• We support your work-life balance - Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time.
• An inspiring and supportive work community - We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

• City of Turku
• Welcome visitor
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and Trial Period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the teaching and research personnel category. The salary for a Senior Researcher is based on levels 5-6. A personal performance component is added to the task-specific salary. The starting salary for the position is approximately 4000-4500 e/month, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience.

The salary is determined when the employment contract is drawn up. The positions are subject to a six (6) month trial period.

Scientific inquiries:

Professor Risto Paatelainen

Application process inquiries:

HR Specialist Saija Marjasto

(You can contact us by email. Personal addresses as [e-mail].)

ERC consolidator project (ExPertQCD)

ExPertQCD is an ERC Consolidator Grant project developing new theoretical methods in perturbative thermal field theory to describe strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions. The project aims to improve high-precision calculations of the thermodynamic and transport properties of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) at high densities and temperatures. These advances will deepen our understanding of matter in extreme astrophysical environments and improve theoretical predictions for early-Universe thermodynamics and cosmological phase transitions.