Postdoctoral Researcher positions, Condensed Matter Theory

We are seeking 2 postdocs for projects on the dynamical response of quantum materials and non-reciprocal Josephson quantum electronics. The research will be guided by Tero Heikkilä at the Condensed Matter Theory group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The positions will start at earliest on the 2nd January 2025 or as agreed for a fixed term of 2 years.

Topic 1. Describing dynamical response of quantum materials

The aim of this project is to understand how the correlated states of two-dimensional electronic systems affect the dynamical response of those systems. Main emphasis will be on the superconducting state, but you have a chance also of studying magnetic materials and especially hybrid materials of superconductors and ferromagnets. The results will be essential in characterizing the properties of new two-dimensional materials and in particular their use in high-speed electronics at low temperatures. You will have a chance of collaborating with some of the best experimentalists working on 2D superconducting electronics and on optically assisted scanning tunneling microscopy. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland.

Topic 2. Circulatory non-reciprocity in Josephson quantum electronics

This project is part of the JoGate EU project, within the Chips JU. The aim of the project is to create novel high-speed functionalities in gated Josephson junctions. In the theory project, we will assess the use of multiterminal Josephson junctions for the use in creating a finite-frequency circulatory non-reciprocity. Such functionality is highly desired in quantum electronics and can be experimentally assessed within JoGate. You will have a chance of collaborating with the top experimental groups participating in JoGate in a highly relevant topic in quantum technology.

The Condensed Matter Theory group of Tero Heikkilä has strong expertise in non-equilibrium superconductivity, quantum materials and Josephson electronics. Three of four authors of a recent review on nonequilibrium effects in superconductor/ferromagnet structures (Rev. Mod. Phys. 90, 041001 (2018)) worked in the group, and two of them, Virtanen and Heikkilä, are still there. The second project is an extension of the recent work of Virtanen and Heikkilä (PRL 132, 046002 (2024)) on which many experimental groups have indicated interest.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Condensed Matter Theory group conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum materials and their use in quantum electronics. The group is an active member of the JoGate EU project, Finnish Quantum Flagship, and the SuperC and Simons collaborations on superconductivity.
• Learn and apply the methods of the theory of superconductivity and disordered systems: Green’s functions, quasiclassical methods, Keldysh technique, diagrammatic methods
• When needed, use the outstanding computational facilities accessible to the group: either the University of Jyväskylä cluster, or the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC.  
• Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in physics or a related field and a thesis written on a theoretical topic.
• Good basis in condensed matter physics, quantum physics and statistical mechanics, including their formal tools. Knowledge of the Keldysh technique and/or the quasiclassical Green’s functions is considered an asset.
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
• You are expected to learn to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

We offer

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security in the world. It includes for example sickness benefits, various family benefits, comprehensive healthcare system and excellent public schools. Please read more about  working at the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland.  

A competent and prosperous scientific community

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a respected member of the university community, where you get the opportunity to learn from your colleagues in your own field, and where you also get a chance of meeting high-level researchers from the full spectrum of science and humanities. Here the barriers between disciplines are low, and we encourage our employees to cross them in their daily work. We offer you meaningful work where you can make true impact not only in your own field, but also to the society at large.  

You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community where the well-being of everyone is important. We provide a good setting for a mobile and healthy lifestyle on and around campus. Jyväskylä region provides an excellent balance between ambitious work and chance to relax after work, with beautiful nature and various sport and cultural activities within close distance from home and work.

Salary

The initial annual salary range for post-doctoral researchers will be approximately 44,000 – 51,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus) depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.

How to apply

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
2. A 1-2-page cover letter including a statement of research interests and the topic (1 or 2 or both) for which you are applying
3. A numbered list of publications
4. Degree certificate (highest degree).
5. Research plan is not mandatory. Please submit an empty file here to proceed with your application.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview. Applications sent via emails will not be considered.

For further details, please contact Professor Tero Heikkilä, tero.t.heikkila@jyu.fi.

In recruitment, we follow the Code of Conduct and Recommendations for the Recruitment of Researchers as defined in the European Charter for Researchers European Charter for Researchers. The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and DORA-declaration. The application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.