Doctoral Researcher, Theoretical Optics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position in theoretical optics at the Department of Physics and Mathematics in the Faculty of Science Forestry and Technology, on Joensuu campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term from 1 January 2024 (or starting date as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 23 October 2023.

Role and salary 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with good mathematical skills and experience in electrodynamics, physical optics, and polarization theory. The person to be appointed to this position will work at the Department of Physics and Mathematics in a project funded by the Research Council of Finland (PI: Tero Setälä). The project focuses on the foundations and applications of the geometric phase of light in the context of fluctuating optical fields. In addition, it contributes to developing a theoretical formalism for the description of polarization and electromagnetic coherence in genuine three-dimensional light fields.

The work planned for this position is theoretical and covers analytical and numerical research on the above topics. The main duty of the Doctoral Researcher is to work towards a doctoral dissertation, and the position enables the Doctoral Researcher to take part in scientific writing, grant applications, scientific collaborations, supervising Bachelor and Master’s students, and teaching.

The position will be filled for a fixed term from 1 January 2024 to 31 August 2026 (or starting date as agreed) due to it pertaining a specific project task and own doctoral degree. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

The candidate shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Eastern Finland by enrolling in the Faculty's doctoral programme LUMETO. The goal is to finish the doctoral thesis and graduate within four years.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of the Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job requirement component and a personal performance component. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 2–4 on the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff, depending on the stage of the applicant's doctoral research and postgraduate studies. The personal performance salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. At the beginning of the employment, the salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be approximately €2534–2662 /month.

Our requirements and expectations 

Requirements 

• Master’s degree in optics, photonics, physics, or some other relevant field. A person to be appointed as a Doctoral Researcher shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies.
• Potential candidates should have a good command of the English language (working language is English).

Expectations 

• Excellent mathematical (analytical and numerical) skills.
• Experience in electrodynamics, physical (wave) optics, and polarization theory.
• Well-performed broad studies on photonics and physics are of advantage.
• Good communication and presentation capabilities as evidenced by contributions to scientific conferences and written academic texts.
• The ability to work in international and multidisciplinary research teams.

Your benefits 

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including  

•    Extensive occupational health care.  
•    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 and tax-free bike benefit.

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.  

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting, meaningful and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.    

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology, and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.    

How to apply? 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 23 October 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application

• CV (Template for researcher's curriculum vitae).
• Copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas.
• A transcript of records.
• A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• Other documents you wish to include to demonstrate your merits for the position (maximum 3 pages). 

Questions? 

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Tero Setälä, e-mail tero.setala@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 4453075.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR-Coordinator Noora Hämäläinen, e-mail noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 4458 302.