Senior Researcher, Theoretical Physics

University of Turku; Turku; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Turku seeks a Senior Researcher in Theoretical Physics to advance finite-temperature QFT and cosmology. You will work on perturbative and computational methods, contributing to phase transitions and gravitational-wave phenomenology, within an ERC Consolidator Grant project.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, a strong independent research track, and excellent English. On-site in Turku, with a deadline of 13 October and a focus on early-Universe physics.

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics or 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.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Independent research

QCD

EOS physics

Computational methods

English proficiency

Education

PhD in theoretical physics, particle theory, astrophysics, or a closely related field

Job description

Senior Researcher, Theoretical Physics

University of Turku

Turku, Finland

€ 4000 - € 4500 per month

Job description

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.

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.

On-site

PhD Required

Deadline 13 October