Postdoctoral Researcher in 2D material nanocomposites for tunable photonics

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

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 Multifunctional Nanocomposite group in the Department of Applied Physics is now looking for a highly motivated

Postdoctoral researcher in 2D material nanocomposites for tunable photonics

Are you interested in developing new materials for photonics devices? The high-performance optically active materials (OAMs) are desirable for many applications. However, the current OAMs still have some critical issues to be resolved for practical applications. This project aims to develop a new OAM platform using well-designed 2D material nanocomposites based on MXenes combined with functional organic molecules, and to demonstrate prototype devices for large modulating amplitudes or fast switching speeds. If you are a talented researcher interested in 2D material photonics and electronics and enjoy highly interdisciplinary research environment, this might be something for you!

Your role and goals

• Planning and executing laboratory experiments on 2D material nanocomposite synthesis
• Thin film electrochemical and FET device fabrication and characterization
• Writing publications for peer-reviewed high level scientific journals
• Presenting research findings at international conferences and seminars
• Research visits with European partner universities and research facilities
• Showing good social skills in collaborations to promote collaborations

What we require

The candidate should have or will shortly receive a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or Physics. Experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas are considered as merits:

• Research background in thin-film device fabrication (i.e. electrochromic devices, LIBs and supercapacitors, FETs) with 2D materials (preferably MXene or graphene)
• Hands-on experience in wet chemistry synthesis and chemical safety
• Hands on experience in additive manufacturing (printing, deposition)
• Working experience in clean room is highly valued
• Both hands-on and data analysis skills in classical materials characterization methods (i.e., TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, NMR, IR, Raman, XAS, SAXS, etc)
• Good oral and written proficiency of English. Finnish language is not required
• High motivation and team player in interdisciplinary settings
• Knowledge in inorganic, metal-organic, or organic chemistry is a plus

The experience should be demonstrated by evidence of success in related studies, and also by publication record. Other merits demonstrating suitability for a postdoctoral researcher position can also be considered.

What we offer

We offer a two-year postdoctoral position with possibility for extension. You will expand your networking capabilities which are useful for your emerging independent career plans and establish collaborations with research groups in LIBER excellent center, PREIN flagship, as well as our international partners.

Aalto University offers an excellent environment for driving and realizing your own research ideas, contribute to a sustainable future, stay at the forefront of research and networking by interacting with companies and other universities.

The fixed term contract is typically initially for two years and can be extended on mutual agreement. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a Postdoctoral researcher is approx. 4130 €/month. The salary ranges from 4130 € to 4550 € per month, depending on previous experience. The contract includes occupational healthcare.

The primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo. The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13,000 students and 4,500 employees. Life at the transformed campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the recently opened metro line.

Join us!

If you want to join our community, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page ("Apply Now”). Please note that we only accept applications via Workday.

• Motivation letter with a short description of your research interest. Please include your contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max. 1 page)
• CV including details of all academic merits (including publications) and contact information of two referees (max. 3 pages). As referees, please inform the contact information of the previous supervisors.
• Summary of your Ph.D. thesis and previous work related to the project (max. 1 page)
• Copy of your Ph.D. degree certificate and a transcript of studies (with a clear explanation of the grading scale)

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions. 

The deadline for applications is August 14, 2026. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. Please note that the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

For additional information, kindly contact Dr. Zhongpeng Lyu, [email protected].

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.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future.

Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto.

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About Finland

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