The posting
At Aalto University, curiosity moves across disciplines, roles and communities. We bring people together to ask new questions, challenge familiar thinking and turn ideas into impact. Our work is rooted in responsibility, courage and collaboration, and in a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable future.
At the Department of Applied Physics, our pioneering research in physical sciences creates important industrial applications that hold great technological potential. Our research focuses on Materials physics; Quantum technology; Soft & living matter; and Advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. We educate future generations of research and development professionals; data specialists; technology experts; inventors; and scientists for industry and society.
The Department of Applied Physics (www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-applied-physics) at Aalto University School of Science invites applications for
Assistant Professor, Experimental Quantum Physics
The position is open to talented individuals who hold a doctorate in physics or a closely related field and have an outstanding track record and potential for further extending a productive scientific career. The position is to be filled at Assistant Professor level of the Aalto University tenure track system. The field of the open professorship is Experimental Quantum Physics. We invite applications from candidates with research experience and interest in exploring the physics of low-temperature mesoscopic quantum systems, including superconducting circuits. The candidates should aim at finding novel fundamental phenomena as well as functionalities relevant in sensing and control, or other quantum technologies. We seek a research profile that strengthens the current efforts at the Department. The appointed professor will be closely connected with the OtaNano national infrastructure which includes cleanroom facilities of Micronova, Nanomicroscopy Centre and Low Temperature Laboratory, and the equipment at the Department of Applied Physics. The professorship is supported by InstituteQ. For links to these facilities see “What we offer?” below. The successful candidate is expected to lead an outstanding independent research program at the Department of Applied Physics, as well as to take responsibility for education in this field at Aalto University. Preference will be given to candidates who can take advantage of the existing facilities.
Your experience
Throughout their career, those in the academic tenure track system are expected to exercise and guide scientific research, to provide related higher academic education, to follow advances in their field, to participate in service to the Aalto University community, and to take part in societal interaction and international collaboration in their field.
We seek applicants who have:
- A doctorate in a field closely related to this position;
- Potential to carry out research and attract research funding at the highest level;
- Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment;
- Potential to take responsibility for education and researcher training in physics;
- Potential to be an effective teacher in the undergraduate and graduate degree programmes of the School of Science.
The applicants will be evaluated based on their potential and demonstrated ability in research, teaching, academic leadership, and activities in the scientific community in accordance with their career stage. At the assistant professor level, we place particular emphasis on research quality, potential, increasing independence, and clear research direction. Professors in the Aalto tenure track system must be fluent in English to carry out their duties successfully. Finnish language skills are not required.
Candidates applying to this call are considered for Assistant Professor positions only. The selected applicant must have completed their doctoral degree before starting in the position. Applicants with more than ten years of research experience after their doctoral degree (excluding relevant career breaks) are not considered early-career. A more detailed description of the tenure track system at Aalto University is available at www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track.
Aalto University is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and non-discrimination in all its activities. Thus, we promote equal opportunities to learn, acquire knowledge, participate and make a difference. As an equal opportunity employer, Aalto University founds its recruitment decisions on applicants’ competencies, skills and aptitudes. Aalto’s recruitment processes are clearly defined, transparent and fair, and allow the relevant areas to be emphasized when recruiting people to positions in the various career systems and levels. Career breaks due to periods of parental leave and other obligatory absences, such as military service, will be taken into account for your benefit when considering applications.
What we offer
The professor will join an inspiring and supportive work community of enthusiastic academic professionals, talented students, and well-functioning support services. We will offer a competitive start-up package and you will have the opportunity to play an active role in planning future equipment acquisitions, such as cryogenic equipment, for your team's use. Besides, the successful candidate will have access to advanced shared facilities for experimental quantum physics, including the Low Temperature Laboratory (https://www.aalto.fi/en/otanano/low-temperature-laboratory), the Micronova cleanroom (https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/about-micronova) and the Nanomicroscopy Center (https://www.aalto.fi/en/otanano/nanomicroscopy-center), which are all part of the Otanano National Infrastructure (https://www.aalto.fi/en/otanano). Additional experimental infrastructure is available at the Department of Applied Physics (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-applied-physics/experimental-equipment-of-the-department-of-applied-physics). For information about InstituteQ see: https://instituteq.fi/. We offer extensive research support services such as grant writing and project management.
Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities and provides relocation support. As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent staff training and mentoring programmes as well as occupational health care services and campus sport facilities. The position will be located at the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus in Espoo. The campus hosts one of the top quantum device ecosystems in Europe, if not the entire world. It is vibrant with a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections, and surrounded by calming nature.
Ready to apply?
Please submit your application through our recruitment system by 31 January 2027 (23:59 (UTC+2)) via “Apply now!” on the Aalto.fi page. The submitted application materials must be in English and must include the following documents as a single file in PDF format:
1. Cover letter including a summary of merits and most important achievements, and motivation for the position (max one page).
2. Curriculum vitae covering the major headings recommended by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity at Template for researcher's curriculum vitae | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK
3. Research portfolio describing candidate’s research achievements and future outlook (see instructions from policies and procedures document, page 25), typically four pages. Include a brief description of the facility/laboratory needs of your research. Highlight needs that are critical to the success of your research or that require technically demanding infrastructure.
4. Teaching statement which is a brief document (ca. one page) describing the candidate’s experience and vision of teaching.
5. List of 10 most significant publications/patents, and a link to Google Scholar profile or equivalent.
Aalto University will use external reviewers to support the evaluation of applicants during the recruitment process. The most suitable applicants will be invited to visit the department for site visits.
General instructions for applicants including evaluation criteria, language requirements and guidelines for compiling your CV are given at https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track/interested-in-joining-our-tenure-track.
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Further Information
If you wish to hear more about the position, please contact the chair of the departmental committee Professor Jukka Pekola ([email protected]). For recruitment process-related questions, please contact HR Partner Lotta Maltolahti ([email protected]).
Why Aalto University & Finland?
In addition to its strong academic community, the Helsinki region is a vibrant technology and innovation hub with easy access to major partners, both private and public. The Department of Applied Physics is located at the main Otaniemi Campus of Aalto University, 15 minutes from the centre of Helsinki by metro. Helsinki International Airport is a major air traffic hub with direct flights to numerous international destinations. For more information about our campus, see the virtual campus tour.
Aalto University builds on the legacy of three leading Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Since 2010, we have brought science, art, technology, and business together in new ways.
Today, the Aalto community consists of 16,000 students and 5,200 employees, including 446 professors. Half of our faculty members have an international background. Our campus in Espoo is a vibrant cluster of research and innovation with striking architecture, peaceful nature, open spaces for collaboration, and a wide range of services, all with excellent public transport connections. Diversity is part of who we are. We work actively to build a community where people can belong, contribute and grow.
Finland tops international rankings in education, equality, safety, and quality of life. Finland is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world; design, creativity, and start-up culture are also important. Finland is a great place for living, with or without family. It is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic society, where equality is highly valued, and corruption is low. Extensive social security supports people in all life situations, and Finland’s free, high-quality education system is internationally recognized. In Finland, a low level of hierarchy is a cultural asset in working life and society. Finland has been repeatedly ranked as the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report.
More information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/why-finland
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