Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student), Atmospheric Aerosol Physics and Chemistry

Kuopio, Finland

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) position in the field of Atmospheric Aerosol Physics and Chemistry at the Department of Technical Physics on the Kuopio campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term as from 1 April 2026 (or as agreed) to 31 December 2028.

Role and salary

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) in the field of Atmospheric Aerosol Physics and Chemistry to work at the Department of Technical Physics of the University of Eastern Finland. The work of the Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) will be implemented within the Finnish Centre of Excellence (FCoE) in Anthropocenic Chemical Ecology of Forests (ACE-Forest) funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The ACE-Forest project will explore chemically mediated intra- and interspecific interactions in forests. The project will aim to advance understanding of the chemical ecology of forests in the Anthropocene. The Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) may choose either one of the two research topics or both: i) characterization of biogenic VOCs and SOA chemistry, or ii) characterization of SOA particle deposition and fluxes onto forest vegetation.

As a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student), you will focus on:

• identifying new stress-induced volatile organic compounds (VOC) precursors from vegetation
• studying the kinetic formation of SOA from these VOCs
• characterizing chemistry of SOA particles, or determining SOA and VOC fluxes onto vegetation
• carrying out experiments in atmospheric simulation chambers
• participating in field campaigns or model SOA formation and deposition processes.

The main duty of the Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) is to conduct research for their doctoral dissertation and to complete postgraduate studies. The position may also include teaching duties (max. 5% of total working hours) within the discipline, in line with the candidate’s area of expertise.

The research will be conducted in the Aerosol Physics Research Group. The research group has an excellent international reputation in the field of atmospheric and aerosol related studies.

The position will be filled for a fixed term as from 1 April 2026 (or as agreed) to 31 December 2028. ... A trial period is applied to all new members of staff.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for Finnish universities. ... At the beginning of the employment the total salary will be approximately EUR 2,650 – 2,785 /month.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements

• eligibility for postgraduate studies; i.e., holding a Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, chemistry or a related field...
• meeting the student admission criteria for the LUMETO doctoral programme
• a good command of written and spoken English
• motivation for research work in aerosol physics or chemistry.

The following will be considered as advantages

• prior experience with the measurement and analysis of biogenic volatile organic compounds and secondary organic aerosol using mass spectrometer techniques...
• prior experience with the measurement and analysis of gas and aerosol fluxes
• prior experience in working with atmospheric simulation chambers or flow tube reactors
• competence with data analysis with MATLAB or Igor programs.

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including the opportunity for flexible multi-location work, excellent opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, extensive occupational health care, a broad selection of staff training, staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services, affordable sports services.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 2 March 2026 by 23:59 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC +2).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application: a CV (Template for CV), a list of publications (Instructions), copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas..., a transcript of records, a motivation letter (max. 1 page)..., other documents to demonstrate your merits for the position.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Senior Researcher Jorma Joutsensaari, e-mail: jorma.joutsensaari@uef.fi, tel.: +358 29 4453010 and Staff Scientist Liqing Hao, e-mail: hao.liqing@uef.fi, tel.: +358 29 4453361.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Specialist Iiris Korhonen, e-mail: iiris.korhonen@uef.fi, tel.: +358 29 445 8161 or HR Specialist Noora Hämäläinen, e-mail: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel.: +358 29 445 8302.

Type of employment: Temporary position (shorter than 10 days)
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: 1 April 2026 (or as agreed)
Salary: Collective agreement for universities
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100 %
City: Kuopio
County: Pohjois-Savo
Country: Finland