"A Postdoctoral Researcher in computational modelling of self-organization in soft materials"

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is looking for:

A Postdoctoral Researcher in computational modelling of self-organization in soft materials

to join the Research Council of Finland Center of Excellence in Life Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER).

The Soft Materials Modelling group at Aalto University, Finland, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on 1) molecular mechanisms of triggered assembly phase transitions in multicomponent biomacromolecular solutions and/or 2) structural organization of polymer assemblies for functional materials (active and driven materials). The applicant can target to work on one or both directions in the application. The projects are in the Research Council of Finland Center of Excellence in Life Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER) at Aalto University. LIBER operates across physics, chemistry, and biosciences in Aalto University – the sought person has the ability and willingness to drive high-profile, interdisciplinary research in a joint effort between experimental and computational / theory research.

Your background and expertise

A study background and doctorate degree in computational soft materials physics, polymer technology, chemistry, materials science, or related field, as well as, a good publication history and a strong understanding of soft matter and macromolecular assembly, especially polymer materials and/or driven self-organization and assembly, are needed. Specific expertise can focus on modelling of e.g., polymer, biomolecular systems, or colloidal systems. We work at both atomistic and coarse-grained modelling levels and appreciate multiscale expertise, and ability to combine the particle-based approaches with statistical mechanics and continuum scale modelling of soft materials. The candidate should have demonstrated expertise in dissemination of scientific results and be well versed in data handling and linux/unix based high performance computing environments (HPC computing). The candidate must have good oral and written command of English.

What we offer

At Aalto University you have the possibility to work within a well-resourced learning community where the students are rigorously selected and highly motivated. This results in an unusually interactive and intellectually challenging atmosphere. The Postdoctoral Researchers join the exceptional scientific environment of Research Council of Finland Center of Excellence LIBER. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland, in the capital Helsinki region. Helsinki is the lively, dynamic capital of Finland with active international social scene, good opportunities for culture or outdoor activities, and reputedly high quality of living in general.

The expected starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is approximately 4059 €/month. The contract includes occupational health care benefits and Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application at your earliest convenience but no later than 11.1.2026 through our online recruitment system by using the "Apply now" link.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> Internal Jobs by using their existing Workday user account.

To apply, please share the following application materials with us in English and in PDF (the maximum size of each document is 5MB and the maximum number of documents is 5).

• A letter of motivation
• A complete curriculum vitae describing education and employment history, as well as, list of scientific publications
• Contact details of at least 2 possible reference letter writers

Evaluation of the applications may start immediately.

Additional information is available from Prof. Maria Sammalkorpi (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

More info about the LIBER Center of Excellence at https://www.libercentre.fi/ and about the Soft Materials Group at https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-chemistry-and-materials-science/soft-materials-modelling.