Assistant Professor in Electromagnetics (tenure track)

 

The School of Electrical Engineering promotes high-quality science, technology and innovations for the benefit of the Finnish society and all of humankind. In our research environment, the natural sciences, engineering and information technology intertwine to form smart systems and innovations that save energy and promote well-being. With our research, we seek to respond to many challenges posed by sustainable development and the results are applied, for example, in mobile devices, electrical networks, health care and in satellites. School’s special strength is linking the research with the Finnish and international business sector. We have around 2000 students in total, and around 250 master’s and 50 doctoral degrees annually. Our personnel consists of 700 people with over 70 professors.


The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering invites applications for the position of an

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ELECTROMAGNETICS (tenure track)

We are searching for a highly potential candidate with comprehensive knowledge and skills in electromagnetic theory with interest in translational research in multidisciplinary applications. The Department supports and develops research in electromagnetics of complex materials as enablers of new applications, recognizing the application potential of both natural and artificial material systems as biological media, geophysical materials, metamaterials, metasurfaces and other complex electromagnetic media.

As an assistant professor you will enrich our department´s expertise in electromagnetic theory and applications by bringing fresh, new research ideas and perspective into our community. Your key application areas of interest may include, but are not limited to electronics, photonics, health technology, energy applications, and materials processing. Further understanding and control of natural complex materials systems such as biological tissue can be considered as application areas for this position. You have potential to develop a strong and original research program and establish collaborations with existing research groups and partners outside academia. Teaching and development of courses related to electromagnetics is an essential part of your responsibilities.

Your experience and ambitions
We are looking for an applicant with

• a doctorate in electrical engineering, physics or other applicable field in science

• expertise in fundamental electromagnetic theory and some of its applications

• potential to carry out original research and attract research funding to build up your own research group

• passion to collaborate with the industry, entrepreneurial mindset and good interpersonal skills, and ability to build a high-level international collaboration network

• genuine motivation to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, learner-centric view on education, and excellent digital competency to enrich teaching and facilitate online and on-site learning.

We offer

• a tenure track position with promotion to a tenured position based on merits

• a competitive benefits package including access to health care

• start-up funding and grant writing support to help you establish your own group

• excellent collaboration possibilities within the university

• great future in one of the happiest, cleanest and safest countries in the world, with a comprehensive social security system and free education up to university level.

Aalto tenure track and contract terms
This position belongs to our tenure track system and will be filled to the assistant professor level with a fixed-term contract. The salary is based on Aalto University salary system, but you can also provide your own salary request. The University provides a research start-up fund, and we actively assist researchers to apply for available scientific research funding. Getting tenure and advancement on Aalto tenure track is based on an evaluation of your achievements and merits against the Aalto tenure track criteria. Please see the details about the tenure track path at Aalto at https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track/tenure-track-career-path and evaluation criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/services/tenure-track-evaluation-criteria.

Scientific environment
You will join the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering in the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering. The department’s research areas include electromagnetic theory, integrated circuit design, microwave engineering, space science and technology, as well as nanophotonics and micro and nanotechnology. Our researchers in electromagnetics, lead by profs. Tretyakov, Simovski, Sihvola and Nikoskinen work on fundamental aspects of electromagnetic theory, numerical methods, metamaterials, metasurfaces, bianisotropic media, nanophotonics, and their applications. In these fields, our researchers work in close collaboration with many international leading research institutes and companies. The department has excellent computation and measurement facilities. The main research infrastructure offers a wide variety of measurement equipment from RF to THz frequencies.

Ready to apply?
Please submit your application latest on August 16, 2021 through our recruiting system. Please include the following documents as one merged pdf package in English 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae (with contact information and the ResearcherID number), 3) the list of publications (in which the five most significant publications highlighted and your role in them described), 4) a research statement describing past research and plans for the future research, 5) a teaching portfolio describing teaching experience and plans for teaching, 6) the list of references/possible reference letters (referees can also send the letters along with their contact details directly to HR Coordinator (annika.salmelin(at)aalto.fi).
General instructions for applicants including language requirements and guidelines for compiling the teaching portfolio and CV can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/tenure-track/interested-in-joining-our-tenure-track.

More information
If you wish to hear more about the position or us, please contact Professor Jussi Ryynänen, jussi.ryynanen(at)aalto.fi or tel. +358 50 384 1720. In case you have questions related to the recruitment process, please contact HR Coordinator Annika Salmelin, annika.salmelin(at)aalto.fi.

About Aalto University, Helsinki and Finnish society
At Aalto, high-quality research, art, education and entrepreneurship are promoted hand in hand. Disciplinary excellence is combined with multidisciplinary activities, engaging both students and the local innovation ecosystem. Our main campus is quickly transforming into an open collaboration hub that encourages encounters between students, researchers, industry, startups and other partners. Aalto University was founded in 2010 as three leading Finnish universities, Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki, were merged to strengthen Finland’s innovative capability.

The greater Helsinki region is a world-class information technology complex, attracting leading scientists and researchers in various fields of electrical engineering. As a living and working environment, Finland consistently ranks high in quality of life, and Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is regularly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Finns are proud to say that we have one of the best education systems in the world. The Nordic values of equality and co-operation are deeply rooted in our society. We are one of the world’s top countries in happiness, clean air and nature, press freedom and consider the many voices in our society a strength. With high investments in R&D, a strong innovation culture, open data and advanced state of digitalization, we are a nation of innovation and entrepreneurship. Gender equality, flexibility and the low hierarchy are at the core of our Nordic working environment. Having four seasons, clean air and thousands of lakes, we are nature-loving people who take good care of our unique environment. For more information about living in Finland see Aalto´s pages for international staff: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff.

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Postdoctoral Researchers in Gravitational Quantum Physics

 

The Quantum Nanomechanics group http://physics.aalto.fi/en/groups/nems/ at the Department of Applied Physics is looking for two outstanding

Postdoctoral researchers

to carry out experimental research on the recently funded ERC Advanced Grant project GUANTUM - Probing the limits of quantum mechanics and gravity with micromechanical oscillators. The goal of the project is nothing less than solving a hundred-year-old mystery of physics: Despite its success at describing phenomena in the low-energy limit, quantum mechanics is incompatible with general relativity that describes gravity and huge energies. The interface between these two has remained experimentally elusive, because only the most violent events in the universe have been considered to produce measurable effects due to the plausible quantum behavior of gravity. In this project, we aim at detecting gravitational forces for the first time within a quantum system. Instead of huge energies, we are interested in extremely low energies. We use mechanical oscillators loaded by milligram masses, and bring two such gravitationally interacting oscillators into nonclassical motional states such as squeezed or entangled quantum states. Initially, we measure the gravitational force between gold particles weighing a milligram, representing a new mass scale showing gravitational forces within a system.

Your role and goals

Postdoc #1 will be responsible for the development and measurement of “quantum gravitational” devices, where the core element is an oscillating silicon nitride membrane that is loaded by a small mass. At very low temperatures achievable in dilution refrigerators, the oscillator becomes nearly isolated from energy losses to the environment, and it can further be brought quantum with microwave optomechanics. You will accommodate these devices into a quantum-limited detection system comprising of parametric amplifiers and real-time feedback to verify the gravitational forces inside the system.

Postdoc #2 will be responsible for engineering aspects of the research: development of the cryogenic system including vibration isolation, cryogenic nanopositioning, optical imaging, and perfecting the microwave measurements.

Depending on the qualifications and interest of the candidates, the roles may be strongly overlapping. Both postdocs are expected to actively participate in instructing PhD students.

Your experience and ambitions

For this challenging research, we are looking for outstanding candidates who are motivated in experimental, low-temperature quantum physics. We require the candidates to have a proven track record in experimental research with similar or related topics, clean room microfabrication, strong interest in micromechanical systems. Additionally, the candidates should be excellent team players. Experience with cryogenics and dilution refrigerators, and skill in theoretical understanding of the studied phenomena, are considered significant assets.

What we offer

The Quantum Nanomechanics team, ambitous but relaxed with a great team spirit, carries out top -notch experimental research on the foundations of quantum mechanics. In our recent research, we have demonstrated quantum entanglement between two micromechanical resonators [Nature 556, 478 (2018), Science 372, 625 (2021)]. With superconducting qubits, we explore processing of quantum information with mechanical motion.

In our more applied research, we lay the foundation for a new generation of devices that use various types of microwave-optomechanical effects for efficient signal processing. We have realized quantum-limited microwave amplifiers and nonreciprocal components to be used in superconducting quantum technology. Besides electromechanics, we are investigating hybrid devices that aim on controlling ferromagnetic magnons using acoustic waves.

The fixed term contract is typically initially for two years. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a Postdoctoral researcher is approx. 3700€/month. The salary ranges from 3700€ to 4000€ per month, depending on previous experience. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

The workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus of Aalto University, in the premises of the OtaNano national research infrastructure for micro- and nanotechnologies. OtaNano provides access to all the advanced nanofabrication, nanomicroscopy and measurement facilities and techniques. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland on campus leverages the bridge between research and innovation. Several startup companies working with electronics, cryogenics, and quantum technology have recently emerged in the community. Our team belongs to the national Centre of Excellence – Quantum Technology Finland that is harnessing quantum phenomena for solid-state-based quantum devices and applications. We also belong to the European Microkelvin Platform collaboration.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through the ’Apply’ link.

(1)   Letter of motivation
(2)   CV including list of publications
(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts
(4)   Contact details of at least two referees

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2021. The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Mika Sillanpää, Mika.Sillanpaa@aalto.fi. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

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Doctoral candidate in synthesis of photoactive biohybrids

 

The Biohybrid Materials group at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems is now looking for an exceptional

Doctoral candidate

to join the recently awarded PhotoCage project (Academy of Finland Research Fellow), on developing highly-emitting biohybrids, with potential application in lighting technologies and nanomedicine. This is a five years research project, where you will have the chance to impact the photoactive materials field. At the same time, you will develop your scientific potential in a highly competitive and multidisciplinary environment.

Research area and responsibilities

This PhD project is located at the interface between chemistry, biology and physics. You will develop novel fluorophores which, in combination with protein cages, will render unique materials. The position will be hosted in the already multidisciplinary Biohybrid Materials group and supervised by Dr. Eduardo Anaya. The project will have multiple national and international collaborations.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for highly motivated and competitive candidates in experimental sciences, with background (bachelor/masters) in chemistry, biosciences, physics, or a closely related field. Solid skills in organic synthesis, as well as overall knowledge of materials characterization will be an additional advantage. Excellent communication and reporting skills in English are required. The applicant must fulfil the requirements for entitlement to do doctoral studies at Aalto University: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering.

Research environment

This project will be hosted at the Biohybrid materials group. The research interests range from Photoactive Co-Assembly of Viral and Synthetic Nanoparticles, Polyelectrolyte Complexes, Functional DNA Origami Nano-Objects and (Metallized) Lignin Nanoparticles. For more information on the research, please see the group web page http://chemtech.aalto.fi/bihy. We have fully equipped synthesys lab, access to state-of-the-art characterization techniques (c.a. optical, fluorescence, and electron microscopy), and cell culture lab, among other facilities.

For more information

For more information, please contact Dr. Eduardo Anaya (eduardo.anaya@aalto.fi)

What we offer 

The contract is initially made for one year, with possibility of extension. The total duration of doctoral studies is four years. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary is approx. 2500€/month, and it will increase with responsibilities and performance over time. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Ready to apply?

Please submit your application, including the attachments mentioned below, as one single PDF document in English through the ’Apply’ link.

- Letter of motivation

- CV including a list of publications

- Degree certificates and academic transcripts

- Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available)

Please apply at your earliest convenience but no later than August 8th. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified, starting on September 2021 or to agree.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

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Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge in Biochemistry / Enzymology

 

• The Biochemistry group (http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/research_groups/biochemistry/) develops metabolic pathways and enzymes for the conversion of CO2 to fuels. We are looking for a

  Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge in Biochemistry / Enzymology

  Research is carried out at our excellent facilities at Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering (http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/). The laboratories are situated on the main campus of Aalto University in Otaniemi (short metro-ride from Helsinki) within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/).

  Research description

  Most experiments will be performed in anaerobic chambers. Possible projects are:

  • Tune enzymes and redox cofactors for biotechnological CO2 reduction

  • Design of synthetic metabolic pathways

  • In vitro pathway design in order to study the bioenergetics/thermodynamics

  • Study archaeal enzymes and elucidate their reaction mechanisms

  • Possible projects also involve NMR spectroscopy, synthesis of substrate analogues, or electrochemistry

  Your experience and ambitions

  • PhD in a suitable field, such as biochemistry, enzyme engineering, (bio)organic chemistry, NMR spectroscopy of biomolecules

  • Be highly committed to science and strive for excellence

  • Develop own smart ideas and think independently

  • Be able to focus on solving tough scientific problems

  • Have good written and oral communication skills in English

  Skills, knowledge or interest in some of the following areas are highly appreciated:

  • Enzymology, protein purification

  • Metabolic modelling and thermodynamics

  • Spectroscopic methods (HPLC, NMR, EPR, Electrochemistry)

  • Solid understanding of organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms

  We offer

  • High-end laboratory infrastructure and friendly colleagues

  • Opportunity to join a young, ambitious research group

  • Freedom to bring in own ideas

  • Funding for 2 years

  For more information

  For additional scientific information, please contact Prof. Silvan Scheller (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

  Ready to apply?

  If you want to join our community, please submit your application, through our recruitment system from the link below, before August 31st, 2021.  To apply, please share the following application materials with us (in English, only pdf documents):

  • Cover letter (start as follows: “I am interested in this position because… “)

  • CV, incl. list of publications

  • Research interest description

  • Names and contact details of references (or to be provided upon request)

  Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

  About Finland

  Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

  
  

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PHD STUDENT IN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR OPEN-SOURCE PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT

 

The Electronic Circuit Design (ECD) unit of the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at the School of Electrical Engineering is looking for a

PHD STUDENT IN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR OPEN-SOURCE PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT

“Open-source IC design, especially in digital circuits, enables faster adaptation of new ideas to the products and accelerates the ongoing digital transformation”

What you will do
The world around us is changing in an increasing pace. Everything around is getting connected to cloud and we are gathering enormous amount of data. We as IC engineers must meet these challenges by embedding new function rapidly to different platforms. We need processor cores to support mixed-mode functionalities of any system-on-chip implementation. One way to tackle these needs is to embed and develop open-source processors with custom functions. We are looking for a new doctoral student who can tackle these challenges in industry collaboration project.

In this fully funded position, you have an opportunity to be involved in world-class research in Integrated Circuit (IC) design applied to open-source processor (RISC-V) development. You will contribute to novel design ideas, in a team of circuit designers. You will work in a multidisciplinary network, in close collaboration with other students, to grow, design and promote your ideas with full-custom ICs.  
      
What we offer you
Exciting working topic. You will develop competences at the interface between IC design and open-source platforms. You will apply them in a project involving the main industrial partners.

Supportive working environment. We offer you to the possibility to design ICs in the latest nanometer-scale CMOS technologies, participating in multi-project wafer runs and using a state-of-the-art measurement lab. You will integrate into our international and supportive research team and have guidance from both algorithm and circuit perspectives. You will be in contact with our vast network of academic and industrial partners.

Competitive salary and contract terms. The starting salary for a PhD student is approximately 2500€/month and salary will increase with responsibilities and performance over time. You are expected to complete doctoral research and studies within four years in the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering of Aalto University. As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities as well as occupational health care services, commuter ticket benefit and versatile exercise services by Unisport. Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

Living environment. The School of Electrical Engineering is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland. As a living and working environments, Finland consistently ranks high in quality-of-life. For more information about living in Finland please visit our information pages for international staff: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/why-finland.   

Who you are
•    You have a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. High average grades as well as excellent grades on courses on electronics are an asset.
•    You just obtained your diploma, or you already gained some design experience in industry.
•    You are passionate about IC design and microprocessor architectures.
•    You are open-minded for new research, eager to learn more and fit to teamwork.
•    You have some hands-on experience or courses taken on IC design and tools. Specifically, experience with the Cadence software suite is a strong asset, as well as interests in analog and/or mixed-signal design.    

Who we are
The Electronic Circuit Design (ECD) unit of the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at the School of Electrical Engineering has researched RF, analog, and digital integrated circuits already close to thirty years with outstanding outcomes and we have a strong network of collaborators and funding. The ECD unit has three professors (Jussi Ryynänen, Kari Halonen and Martin Andraud), three senior researchers and about 20 doctoral candidates and research assistants.

More information
If you wish to hear more about the position, do not hesitate to contact Professor Jussi Ryynänen, jussi.ryynanen(at)aalto.fi.

Ready to apply?
Please submit your application through our recruiting system and include the following documents as one merged pdf package in English:

• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications if any)
• Course transcripts of Master’s studies with grades and Certificate of Master’s degree
• Possible References (names and contact information of referees, or recommendation letters)

The call is open until August 25, 2021, but we will start reviewing and interviewing candidates already in August.

Apply