We are seeking to recruit 3-4 Doctoral Researchers to work in highly multidisciplinary projects related to the hierarchical structure of wood and plant cell walls. The research is related to the projects FibForm (Novo Nordisk Foundation) and WoodCensus (Research Council of Finland), which lie at a crossing point of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. The persons will be working at the Department of Physics of the University of Jyväskylä, under the supervision of Associate Professor Paavo Penttilä and in close collaboration with the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center as well as national and international collaborators (e.g. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, MAX IV synchrotron, different universities). The research utilizes high-quality research infrastructures at local, national and international levels (Nanoscience Center for laboratory facilities and characterization methods, OtaNano for X-ray scattering, CSC/LUMI for computation, MAX IV and other synchrotrons and neutron sources).
The positions will start on 1.9.2025 or by agreement for a fixed-term of 3,5 years.
The available roles focus on the following topics:
- Analysis of small-angle scattering data from various wood and plant samples in a high-performance computing environment, to understand the cell wall nanostructure, its changes in various processes, and its connections with properties.
Relevant skills/experience: scientific programming, high-performance computing, small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), wood cell wall nanostructure and wood science - Preparation and characterization of bacterial cellulose-hemicellulose composites mimicking the plant cell wall structure.
Relevant skills/experience: (bio)chemistry laboratory skills, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), cellulose/polysaccharides - Molecular modeling of the formation of cellulose microfibril structures, using all-atom and coarse-grained models.
Relevant skills/experience: scientific programming (Python, Unix shell), molecular modeling, cellulose/polysaccharides - Characterization of wood and plant samples using spatially resolved experimental methods in the nm and µm length scales.
Relevant skills/experience: scattering methods (SAXS, SANS, WAXS and related ima ging methods), X-ray nano-microtomography, spectroscopic imaging (e.g. nano-FTIR, Raman microscopy), nanomechanical mapping (AFM), wood/plant cell wall nanostructure and wood/plant science.
Please indicate clearly in your cover letter which of the topics you find most interesting and relevant to yourself. Elaborate also on your experience and relevant skills for the topic and express which field(s) you would like to develop in. All roles include writing and publishing high-quality research articles, teamwork and collaboration, and teaching and supervision according to the level of the position.
Who we are looking for
In minimum, the positions require a Master’s degree in a relevant field, good written and oral communication skills in English, and a desire to understand the structure of (biological) materials.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. If the applicant does not have permission for post-graduate studies, it must be applied with a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.
Benefits
The positions offer opportunities to learn and apply state-of-the-art characterization and modeling methods to solve important and impactful research questions in wood and plant science, producing fundamental new knowledge on their nanostructure and properties and thus enabling advances in sustainable utilization of renewable plant resources. The work can be tailored to support the growth and career development of the candidates, which is further aided by the broad network of collaborators.
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2400 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
Degree certificate (highest degree).
A study transcript provided by the applicant’s university that lists studies completed and grades achieved.
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 15 June 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Paavo Penttilä, [email protected] .
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Department of Physics
The primary areas of research at the Department of Physics are materials physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. In materials physics, the core research fields are the physics of nanomaterials and thin films, quantum matter and quantum technologies, light-matter interaction and physics and chemistry of nanoparticles. Nuclear physics concentrates on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and applied accelerator-based research, and particle physics on the physics of the strong interaction and ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, particle cosmology and neutrino physics. The department hosts an Academy of Finland Center of Excellence in Quark Matter. Experimental research at the Department is conducted in the Accelerator Laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center (NSC) and in foreign research centers such as CERN and FAIR.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and well-being for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
Phone: (014) 260 1211
Email: [email protected]
Location: Seminaarinkatu 15
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