PhD Student in Nanostructured Thermoelectrics

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 the Helsinki metropolitan area, 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 Micro and Quantum Systems group at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering is looking for a talented and highly motivated

PhD Student in the field of Nanostructured Thermoelectrics

Job description
As a PhD student, you have the opportunity to pursue experimental research in both materials and device physics. The work is expected to result in high impact scientific publications and communications at both national and international conferences. The main research work will be carried out in the field of nanostructured thermoelectrics, with a focus for development of novel high-performing thermoelectric materials and thermally engineered nanostructures. The doctoral training will include study of material properties, device fabrication and characterization using state-of-the-art facilities available at Micronova Research Center in the Aalto University campus near Helsinki.

Research group
The research group of Micro and Quantum Systems develops next-generation nanostructured materials and devices for energy harvesting and sensing. We aim to understand fundamental nanoscale phenomena enabling the control and improvement of device performance. We are particularly interested of nanostructured thermoelectrics, which can be exploited for example as building blocks for self-standing flexible electronics. The research is carried out at state-of-the-art facilities at Aalto University, Micronova, located within 15 min metro travel from Helsinki center. The research group is led by Professor Ilkka Tittonen .

Your background
You have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or a closely related field. You are highly motivated in experimental science and laboratory work. You can work both independently and in a team. Scientific activity, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals, and experimental activity in device fabrication and characterization is considered a benefit. At start, you will apply for the study right for doctoral studies at Aalto University. For more details, please check the student information and application criteria . As good written and oral communication skills in English are necessary in the PhD student´s work, please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English.

What we offer
In the Micro and Quantum Systems group, led by Professor Ilkka Tittonen, our goal is to develop next-generation nanostructured materials for energy harvesting and sensing applications. We are a multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary team, with complementary subgroups and talents. You will be offered an opportunity to work with experienced experimental researchers and to join us at scientific meetings and international collaborations. Further, with the help of the doctoral training provided by the School of Electrical Engineering, we will support you in growing into a professional in the field of experimental nanoscience.

This PhD research position will be supported by the Micro and Quantum Systems Group at Aalto University. The starting salary for a PhD student is approximately 2500 €/month and salary will increase with responsibilities and performance over time. Our target is that you will acquire the doctoral degree within four years in the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering of Aalto University. As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities as well as occupational health care services, commuter ticket benefit and versatile exercise services by Unisport. Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The preferred starting time is during the spring of 2021, but this can be also negotiated.

Ready to apply?
Please submit your application through our recruiting system by using "Apply now!" link below and include the following documents in English
•    Application cover letter
•    Course transcripts of your BSc and MSc degrees with grades
•    Curriculum Vitae (with the list of publications if you have)
•    Research statement describing you MSc thesis project (and your research plan if you have)
•    English language test certificate (if you have)
•    References (either letter(s) of recommendation, or names and contact information of the referees)

The call is open until January 31, 2021 but we will start reviewing and interviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

More information
If you wish to hear more about the position, please contact Professor Ilkka Tittonen, ilkka.tittonen(at)aalto.fi. For additional information on recruitment process, please contact HR Coordinator Annika Salmelin, annika.salmelin(at)aalto.fi.

About Finland
Aalto University is an international community, more than 40% of our academic faculty comes from outside 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: http://worldhappiness.report/news/finland-again-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world/ . For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

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