The Department of Physics is a large and multidisciplinary department that offers the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. The department employs about 200 people, of which 2 are academy professors, 20 are professors and 5 associate professors or assistant professors. The research at the department and the research-based teaching follows a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society.
Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory (HAL) is a part of Department of Physics, University of Helsinki. It specializes in experimental and computational materials physics. The current research focus is on materials of importance for nanotechnology, micro- and optoelectronics, spintronics, fusion technology and particle detectors. Their structure and properties are studied by employing various ion beam based techniques, positron annihilation spectroscopy as well as by computational means. Our present infrastructure consists of a 5 MV tandem accelerator, a 500 kV accelerator/ion implanter, two positron accelerators, magnetron sputtering equipment and various processing and characterization facilities.
Faculty of Science invites applications for two
DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS IN COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS PHYSICS AND EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS PHYSICS
Starting from September 1st, 2023, or as agreed. The PhD researcher will be offered a 4-year fully funded contract.
Position description
Computational materials physics (1 position)
The project will computationally investigate the properties of multi-principal elemental or high-entropy alloys. Such novel alloys, containing many elements in significant concentrations, have shown promising mechanical, high-temperature, and radiation-resistant properties. However, finding the optimal alloy compositions with a given set of suitable elements is far from trivial. To achieve this, in this project you will use state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) methods in atomistic simulations (ML interatomic potentials for molecular dynamics) and electronic structure calculations (density functional theory). The ML models will be used to model, predict material properties, and perform computational searches for strong, ductile, and radiation-resistant alloy compositions in the Mo-Nb-Ta-V-W, Cr-Ta-V-W, and Hf-Nb-Ta-Ti-Zr alloy families.
Your main tasks involve performing density functional theory calculations, machine-learning training, and molecular dynamics simulations of different alloy systems. For training and using the ML models, you will have access to some of the largest supercomputers in the world, located in Finland. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. The work will be done in close collaboration with the experimental group in HAL and international collaborators, under the supervision of Dr. Jesper Byggmästar. Experience in programming (e.g. Python, C), the Linux/Unix environment, machine learning, or computational materials software for molecular dynamics (e.g. LAMMPS) or density functional theory are considered merits. For more details, contact Dr. Jesper Byggmästar, jesper.byggmastar(at)helsinki.fi
Experimental materials physics (1 position)
The position focuses on experimental research of defect engineering in refractory multi-principal elemental alloys (RMPEAs), or high entropy alloys through cutting-edge experimental techniques and methods. The project aims to investigate the fundamental defect structures and properties of such new class of materials. This will be studied by combining various ion beam-based materials modification approaches and advanced microstructure characterization techniques, such as energetic particle implantation, positron annihilation spectroscopy, electron microscopy and different X-ray measurements. The project will be highly interdisciplinary and in close collaboration with the materials simulation group in HAL and international metallurgy scientists.
Your main tasks will involve preparing and analyzing experimental samples, performing various particle irradiation in close collaboration with internal scientists, characterizing the irradiation-induced structural and elemental evolution by using a wide range of methods, such as ion beam-based analysis techniques (ERDA, RBS, NRA etc.,), positron annihilation, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other related methods, presenting the research results on the internal and external meetings, writing scientific reports and papers. You will work independently under the supervision of the project leader Dr. Eryang Lu, but also be closely supported by the head of Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory Prof. Filip Tuomisto. To be successful in this position, proficiency in one or several of the following areas are required: experiment material physics; experience in material characterization, for instance SEM/TEM, XRD and positron annihilation spectroscopy etc,; experience in particle irradiation and ion beam analysis; computer programming (e.g. Python, C) and scientific software (e.g. Matlab, Origin, SRIM). For more details, contact Dr. Eryang Lu eryang.lu(at)helsinki.fi
Selection criteria
The Doctoral Researcher should have an MSc or equivalent in physics, materials science, or a related field. Good oral and written English skills are required. The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately (www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell). The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
What we offer
The University of Helsinki offers the appointee a first-class research and teaching environment as well as the preconditions necessary for international cooperation (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki).
The salary of the positions will be based on levels 2-3 of the demands level table for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be ca. 2600-2900 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. The University of Helsinki provides its staff with occupational health and sports services as well as professional development opportunities (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/staff-benefits). The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. International staff is supported in relocating to Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome).
Applications must have the following enclosures as a joint pdf document (in English):
- Motivation letter (max 1 A4 page). Please indicate clearly which position (or both) you are applying for.
- Full CV, including list of publications and any relevant documents on competence and merits that the applicant wishes to be taken into account in the selection process.
- Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available)
Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via SAP Fiori. The positions will be filled when suitable candidates are found.
Further information can be obtained from Doctor Jesper Byggmästar, jesper.byggmastar(at)helsinki.fi or Doctor Eryang Lu, eryang.lu(at)helsinki.fi.
If you have questions related to the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Laura Karppinen, laura.karppinen(at)helsinki.fi.
