Postdoctoral researcher in machine learning for solar energy

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness in the future as well. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Applied Physics is now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Computational Electronic Structure Theory (CEST) group. In this position, you will have a chance to make an impact on renewal energy research by applying tools from artificial intelligence (AI) to the computational design of novel energy materials. Our objective is to enhance the functional properties of hybrid perovskite materials for solar energy technologies by AI-guided alloying, and in the process, generate a machine learning exploration tool for complex materials spaces. 

Your role and goals

You will carry out computational studies of hybrid perovskites of varying composition using electronic structure theory (e.g. density-functional theory) to determine the evolution of the materials’ properties. You will also be developing and implementing machine learning approaches to manage the combinatorial complexity of hybrid perovskite alloys and achieve multiple perovskite design objectives for functional applications. You will manage large-scale supercomputer simulations alongside AI algorithms and data analytics tools.

Your experience and ambitions

We welcome candidates with a PhD in computational physics, chemistry or materials science who are curious about applied machine learning in natural sciences. Prior machine learning experience is a bonus, but not a must. We seek colleagues who enjoy coding, scripting and analytics, and are keen to push the boundaries of computational materials design. This project requires creative thinking and programming, as well as technical expertise in materials simulations and a broad understanding of electronic phenomena in solids. We further appreciate willingness to travel, teach and mentor, collaborate and communicate science.

What we offer

In the Computational Electronic Structure Theory (CEST) group, led by Prof. Patrick Rinke, we advance electronic structure theory and machine learning to pursue innovative applications towards future technologies. We are a multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary team, with complementary subgroups and talents. You will train in machine learning applications with experienced developers, meet our global network of collaborators, join us at scientific meetings, help us organize research workshops and get involved in academic and diversity outreach. In combination with the academic development courses at Aalto University, we will help you grow a competitive and international career profile. You will also be part of the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI) and join a vibrant community at the crossroads of AI research, physics, materials science and renewable energy technologies.

The fixed term contract is initially for two years. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a Postdoctoral researcher is approx. 3700€/month. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus at Aalto University.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system by May 31, 2022. To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through the link ’Apply now’ link at the bottom of the web page. 

(1)   Letter of motivation
(2)   CV including list of publications
(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts
(4)   Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Patrick Rinke. 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.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/ . For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finlan

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