Doctoral research fellow in the field of Digital Criminology

 

A position as PhD Research Fellow (SKO 1017) is available to undertake research as part of the project “The changing relationships between digital technologies, DNA and evidence” (Digital DNA). The project is funded by the European Research Council. The candidate will work closely together with project leader Mareile Kaufmann at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law.

The fellowship runs for three years without teaching duties, or four years with teaching duties constituting 25 % of the overall workload. A four year fellowship requires that the candidate can contribute to the current teaching needs of the Faculty of Law.

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More about the position

Digital DNA studies the changing relationships between digital technologies, DNA and evidence. It focuses on three developments in specific: (1) Hardware: It investigates how smaller and more mobile hardware influences the production of DNA evidence, and how DNA is used as hardware in computing. (2) Databases and analytic instruments: It studies how DNA databases and their algorithmic analysis influence the production of DNA evidence, and to what extent digital databases and algorithms are associated with evidence-based reasoning. (3) Information per se: It discusses how the ability to alter DNA influences the production of forensic evidence, and how DNA influences the concept of digital data.

The project has strong empirical components. In order to contribute to these, the candidate must have training in qualitative methods, as well as basic competences in sociological research on technology. Science and Technology Studies will be an important framework for studying these developments.

Together with Kaufmann, the candidate will work on developments (1) and (2) with a focus on the influence of digital hardware, databases and software on DNA evidence. Technologies studied in (1) could include hardware for 3D Forensic Facial Reconstruction or DNA sequencers for phenotyping at the crime scene. Developments studied in (2) would focus on the rise of public and private DNA databases and software used to analyze DNA. All studies take place in the UK and Norway. The candidate is not expected to have in-depth knowledge about these technologies from before. However, through interviews and fieldwork the candidate shall develop an understanding of how the technologies work and how they influence practices, opinions and results.

The candidate will get the chance to build an international network and participate in an exchange at Durham University. In the course of the project, the candidate will have the opportunity to meet key scholars in this field, who are part of the project’s Advisory Board.

The parts of the Digital DNA project description relevant to this position can be accessed here. Interested candidates are strongly advised to consult these before writing their project description.

Qualification requirements and other qualities

The applicant must hold a Master’s degree or a degree equivalent to the Master’s degree in Criminology or other Social Sciences. The candidate must be qualified to work theoretically and empirically in the described project. Admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Law requires the candidate to have grades in the upper level of the grading scale. This also applies to the master’s thesis.

The candidate must have training in qualitative methods, as well as basic competences in sociological research on technology.

The project language is English and the applicants should have an excellent command of the English language, written and spoken. A good command of a Scandinavian language is also an advantage, though not a condition. 

Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured way. 

Applicants must have good collaboration skills and the ability to contribute to the development of the subject. 

Applicants must take an active part in the development of a good professional environment. 

Please read about the requirements for admission to the PhD program here

We offer

Salary based on salary NOK 482 200 – 526 000 per annum (position code 1017)

An inspiring, friendly and inclusive working environment 

Pension arrangement in the Norwegian Public Service Fund 

Welfare arrangements

How to apply

The application must include:

A cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position.

A project description of 5-10 pages, explaining how they would take their research task in a 3 –year PhD project design. This includes a description of the theoretical background, the aims, methodologies with suggestions for informants or entry points for case studies, and reflections about potential ethical challenges. The proposal must clearly demonstrate how the research will contribute towards the case studies conducted in (1) and (2). A PhD thesis at the Faculty of Law can be a monograph or a collection of several scholarly articles. The applicant should present a publication strategy for the research done within the project. To ensure exchange throughout the project, an article-based thesis is encouraged.

CV (complete overview of education, practice and academic works). 

Copies of diplomas with all grades included in the degree and certificates (if the original language of diplomas/certificates is not English or a Scandinavian language, an English language translation must be provided in addition to a copy of the original). Foreign diplomas must include an official documentation about the grading system together with the official grading scale. 

If available: A complete publication list.

Up to three academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered. If work is written by several authors, the division of work between them must be documented with the co-author's declaration.

Names and contact details for at least two reference persons

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”.

The tentative starting date is fall 2021.

Evaluation of the applicant

In the evaluation of candidates, emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s academic achievements, previous relevant publications, the project description, and the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications, particularly in relation to their ability to perform the proposed project within the allotted time.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview with the University of Oslo, personally or through electronic means.

The candidates are evaluated by a hiring committee, which ranks the candidates based on the criteria indicated above and conducts interviews with short-listed candidates. In a few cases a dedicated interview committee will be formed. 

The faculty’s hiring commission will take a final decision about the hiring of the candidate.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results.

The University of Oslo aims for its employees to reflect the diversity of the population to the greatest degree possible. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition and to recruit people with an immigrant background. We encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the position. The University of Oslo will adapt the workplace to suit employees with disabilities.

Contact information

For questions concerning content: Project leader Mareile Kaufmann, e post: Mareile.kaufmann@jus.uio.no

For administrative questions: HR-officer Siri Martenson, siri.martenson@jus.uio.no

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Two postdoctoral research fellow positions in biostatistics available

 

Two postdoctoral research fellow positions, each for a period of three years, are available at the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo.

The postdoctoral positions are funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society through the project “Stable variable selection in ultra-high dimensional statistics” (Principal investigator Professor Magne Thoresen), and the general purpose of the project is to work on methodology for variable selection in high-dimensional problems. The project is a collaboration between the University of Oslo and the University of Tromsø.

The postdoctoral research fellows will be employed in 100% 3-year positions at OCBE. Currently, OCBE includes 11 tenured professors and associate professors, 15 researchers, and a number of post-doctoral fellows and PhD students, making up a group of about 70 people. OCBE is internationally recognized, with interests spanning a broad range of areas (including time-to-event models, data integration, causal inference, statistical genomics, high dimensional data and models, Bayesian inference, stochastic simulation algorithms, probabilistic graphical models, machine learning, evolution and population genetics, measurement error models, epidemiological studies of lifestyle and chronic diseases, stochastic models for infectious diseases) and numerous collaborations with leading bio-medical research groups internationally and in Norway. OCBE is an active partner of Big Insight: Statistics for the Knowledge Economy, which is one of the Norwegian centers of excellence for research-based innovation.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

The post holders will carry out research in statistical methodology related to variable selection in high-dimensional genomic data. The goal is to develop stable variable selection procedures that allow control of false discoveries. You will work on methods for specific problems related to i) high-dimensional penalized mixed models and ii) graphical models, with applications in cancer research.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with an outstanding potential and a strong mathematical / statistical background. You will have a PhD in statistics/mathematics or related field, and you will have conducted methodological research in statistics. Proven experience in programming is required. The ideal candidates are able to work effectively as part of a team, but also to develop and pursue independent ideas. The successful candidates are expected to conduct innovative research at the highest international level.

Qualification requirements

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, or other disciplines with documented experience in statistics.

Experience with genomic data is an advantage, but not necessary.

Knowledge about penalized regression methods / graphical models is an advantage, but not necessary.

Documented programming skills in R, python, MatLab, C, C++ or equivalent are necessary.

Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

We offer

salary NOK 534 400– 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)

a professionally stimulating working environment

attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

A structured career development program, specifically developed for postdoctoral candidates 

How to apply

The application must include

Cover letter statement of motivation and research interests (including a summary of the applicant's scientific work and interests and describing how she/he fits the description of the person we seek)

CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)

Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)

A complete list of publications and academic works

List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

Professor Magne Thoresen, e-mail: magne.thoresen@medisin.uio.no

HR officer in charge of the position: Ole Rustad

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MSc thesis work: Exploring nanostructured hydrophobic antireflection coatings with a commercial twist

 

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering conducts research and arranges related courses in the field of electromagnetics, micro and nanotechnology, radio engineering, and space technology featuring an international team of over 150 Researchers and Research Assistants. The Department is part of the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering (Aalto ELEC) with world-class research facilities and instruments.

MSc thesis work: Exploring nanostructured hydrophobic antireflection coatings with a commercial twist

We are looking for a Msc student to help in manufacturing different prototype coatings and support in research and characterization of coatings for future commercialization in mind. Coating applications vary from optical components and systems to biomedical applications utilizing the superhydrophobicity of the surface. For a MSc thesis work there are many possible topics here.

Team and technology
We are a 3 person team pursuing the commercialization of superhydrophobic antireflection coatings based on nanostructured aluminium oxide. Current applications of the film range from broadband and omnidirectional optical antireflection coatings to biomedical coatings.The coating technology has been developed by the team, see link for details https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.0c12465. Supervising professor for the MSc thesis will be professor Harri Lipsanen from the Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Group.  

Your background
Knowledge of optics/optical coatings or biomedical coatings, and experience in working in a clean room environment are the core of the job so experience/knowledge in these is very helpfull. Fluent English is a mandatory skill.

The following skills or knowledges are also beneficial:

• Experience in microfabrication techniques
• Cell biology and cell growth
• Knowledge of atomic layer deposition
• High-school inorganic chemistry or better is an asset
• Electromagnetics and solid state physics are both beneficial
• Entreprenurial attitude as the project revolves around commercialization
• Interest in science

Salary and contract
This position will be filled up to six (6) months. The salary follows the standard salary level of MSc thesis worker at the School of Electrical Engineering. We prefer that the work starts 1.7.2021 but this is flexible, however the project will end by January 1, 2022.

Students studying for a master’s degree can apply for the position of a MSc thesis worker. A graduated applicant could be hired as a fixed-term project worker for this specific commerzialization project.

How to apply
Please submit your application through our recruiting system and include the following documents as a single pdf package in English:
•    Course transcripts of master’s study
•    Curriculum Vitae
Deadline for applications is August 2, 2021 but we will start reviewing candidates immediately upon receiving new application documents.

More Information
For additional information, please contact D.Sc. Christoffer Kauppinen, christoffer.kauppinen(at)aalto.fi.

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Postdoctoral Position in Data and Platform Economy

 

We are now seeking to hire a Postdoctoral scholar to work on Data and Platform Economy for a two-year term, with the opportunity to apply for other academic positions during or after the two years. The post doctoral researcher will join our enlargening team of faculty and doctoral students working on data, AI, and platform economy at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. The applicant is expected to have proven expertise and merits in data and platform economy research. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to a research project on policy rationales in the platform economy (https://bit.ly/3w32OQ1). We are especially looking for researchers with strong analytical skills and experience relevant for the research on the data and platform economy. Expertise in economics, law, standards, competition dynamics, or computer science is considered a merit.

The specific research the postdoctoral research will be engaged in is on the governance and economics of digital public goods, open data, interfaces, standards, and digital infrastructures, in the context of data and platform economy. The research aims at advancing the understanding of rationales for public and government engagement in the data and platform economy in various sectors. The focus could be on the governance of digital public goods, e.g., data operators in the traffic, health, and/or education sector. We are especially interested in advancing understanding of how and under what conditions data operators contribute to innovation and economic spill-overs, as well societal value (externalities), and how to foster healthy competition and innovation in the data and platform economy. 

About the department

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management conducts world-class research and provides impactful education on the creation and transformation of technology-based business. We are one of Europe’s leading university departments in the field of technology entrepreneurship, focusing primarily on strategic management and venturing, operations management, and entrepreneurial leadership. In total, we are more than one hundred persons working in the department, including 20 professors, over 30 senior and postdoc researchers, and a large number of doctoral students.

The department conducts empirical research in close collaboration with the leading technology firms in Finland and Europe and the key public and government organizations in Finland. We value your ability to conduct high-quality research and publish papers in the leading scientific journals in some of the research areas of the department. Moreover, we provide entrepreneurship education for all Aalto students and management training for business practitioners. For more information, see http://tuta.aalto.fi/en/

Job description

We expect our postdoctoral researchers to conduct research of the highest standards, and we provide you with an opportunity to teach in our intriguing courses on strategy, entrepreneurship, operations management, or leadership. The postdoctoral positions are planned to include one course of teaching per year, but the teaching load is negotiable. Most of our courses are taught by teams rather than by individual teachers. Also, we provide our postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to learn more about university pedagogy and appreciate your interest in education development.

You will benefit from collaborating with leading scholars in the fields, the university’s generous research support, extensive international networks, and excellent access to entrepreneurs and decision-makers in the private and public sectors. The environment provides unique opportunities to conduct empirical and conceptual research of technology industries. Join our world-class research community and seize the many benefits that come with living and working in one of Europe’s leading capital cities, at the center of learning and innovation. The position is fixed-term for two years, with the opportunity to apply for other academic positions at Aalto University or elsewhere during or after the two-year period. 

Salary and benefits

The compensation is internationally competitive, and Aalto University provides occupational health care and retirement benefits. Finland is a great and safe environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services, including affordable daycare and free schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Ready to apply?

If you are interested to learn more about the department and would like to be considered for the position, please submit your application through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page (“Apply”). The following application materials should be submitted in English (in pdf format): 

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae (with contact details)
• a list of publications (with the most significant publications highlighted)
• a postdoctoral research statement describing plans for future research
• up to three letters of recommendation

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. Application materials will not be returned. 

Closing date for applications: August 15th, 2021

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.

For more information

For additional information, please contact Associate Professor Robin Gustafsson. In recruitment process related questions, please contact HR Coordinator Saara Haggrén. E-mails: firstname.lastname@aalto.fi. Please note that due to summer vacations, there might be some delay in the answers. 

About Finland

We are humble people but dare to say we have one of the very best education systems in the world. The Nordic values of equality and co-operation are rooted deeply in our society. We are one of the world’s top countries in press freedom and consider it beneficial to have many voices in our community. With high investments in R&D, an influential innovation culture, open data, and an advanced state of digitalization, we are a nation of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Gender equality, flexibility, and flat hierarchies are at the core of our Nordic working environment. In Finland, professional ambitions can be combined with personal life. We are one of the world’s most reliable and stable societies with low levels of corruption and a high level of safety and social security. In Finland, everything works.

Having four seasons, clean air, and thousands of lakes, we are some nature-loving people and take good care of our unique environment. The Finnish language is known to be a bit on the complicated side, but don’t worry – it is hard to find a non-English speaker in Finland’s Capital area. We have an international mindset and an inclusive culture and will warmly welcome you to our renowned academic community.

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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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