"Research Assistant (Master’s thesis position)"

The Soft Matter and Wetting Group (http://physics.aalto.fi/smw) headed by Prof. Robin Ras at Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, invites applications for a Research Assistant (Master’s thesis position) position in thin film deposition for an advanced anti-fogging technology. The position is funded from a Business Finland commercialization project in a collaboration with the group of Prof. Heikki Nieminen. We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our team. The successful applicant will be involved in the design, fabrication, and testing of functional thin film coatings.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing advanced surfaces using state-of-the-art thin film technologies and performing basic characterization of prepared thin films.
• Performing wettability and durability tests on developed materials
• Participating in performance testing and analyzing experimental results
• Participating in commercialization of developed materials.

Qualifications:

• Background in materials science, nanotechnology, physics, chemistry, or a related field
• Experience with thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, etc.) and/or surface characterization (contact angle goniometry, electron microscopy, ellipsometry, spectroscopy, etc.) is an advantage
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Excellent study record
• Good English & team working skills.

Your network and team

The Research Assistant will be based in Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University with high-tech facilities in this department along with the facilities in Micronova and OtaNano. The facilities cover a comprehensive range of equipment, including atomic layer deposition devices, electron microscopy, ellipsometry, spectroscopic equipment, etc. Finnish language is not required.

What we offer

The employment contract will be fixed term and made for 6 months. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary for a master’s thesis worker is approximately 2460 € per month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

To apply, please share the following application materials with us:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Study transcripts
• Other supporting material
• Contact details of referees (up to 3)

Kindly apply before the deadline – 25.11.2025. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since we aim to fill this position as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

More information

For additional information, contact Prof. Robin Ras, robin.ras@aalto.fi.