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Doctoral Researcher In Quasioptical Submillimeter Wave Measurements Of Cryogenically Cooled Devices For Future Space Applications
Posted on Feb. 5, 2026
- Espoo, Finland
- 0 - 0 USD (yearly)
- Full Time
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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 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 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.
The THz- and Millimeter-wave Techniques group is in search of a doctoral researcher for research and development of measurement techniques in support of future European Space Agency (ESA) missions. The research program is an integral part of MilliLab, an ESA External Laboratory on Millimeter Wave Technology, and leverages a team of researchers and experts from Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Chalmers University. Future ESA missions require submillimeter wave devices that cannot be sufficiently qualified with today’s techniques, and this research program is directed towards this critically needed development.
Research background
Many ESA missions utilize cryogenically cooled devices, such as low-noise amplifiers, mixers, etc. Quasioptical instruments’ operating frequencies are being pushed continually upwards to assess specific molecular and morphological signatures of interest in the atmosphere. The focus of this research is to develop measurement techniques for device qualification, in particular quasioptical, cryogenic measurements at sub-THz frequency band. At these high frequencies, superconductor devices show superior noise performance, and, also utilizing their nonlinearity and low loss, parametric amplifiers, mixers and even spectrometers can be built out of them. Nevertheless, there is a lack of testing facilities and techniques for such devices, and calibrated quasioptical measurements are rarely combined with cryogenic environments. Standard thru-reflect-line techniques struggle to be used within the cryostat due to a lack of cryogenic-compatible calibration standards and impossibility of the mechanical translation.
Research position details
This Doctoral Researcher position covers two key development areas: (1) Design, simulation and testing of superconducting resonators at 220-330 GHz frequency band. The candidate will explore methods for calculating the superconducting devices properties in THz frequency range using MATLAB/Python and electromagnetic software, such as HFSS or CST Microwave Studio. (2) Design, simulation, and testing of quasioptical system and associated calibration methods for non-contact testing of cryogenically cooled devices. The candidate will assemble and maintain both a cryogenic system and quasioptical system and develop non-contact methods to ascertain scattering parameters and impedance of a cooled device under test. This task includes design of cryogenic equipment, including CAD design of holders, and various cryogenic-compatible electronics and measurement system.
Representative research publications on the topic include, but not limited to
[1] M. Masyukov, A. Tamminen, I. Nefedova, A. Generalov, S. V. Pälli, R. Grigorev, P. Rezapoor, R. Silva, J. Mallat, J. Ala-Laurinaho, and Z. Taylor, “Quasioptic, Calibrated, Full 2-port Measurements of Cryogenic Devices under Vacuum in the 220- 330 GHz Band,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, pp. 1–13, 2025.
[2] A. Anferov, S. P. Harvey, F. Wan, K. H. Lee, J. Simon, and D. I. Schuster, “Low-loss millimeter-wave resonators with an improved coupling structure,” Superconductor Science and Technology, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 035013, 2024/02/08, 2024.
[3] W. Shan, and S. Ezaki, “Separation of Loss Mechanisms in Nb Superconducting Thin-Film Transmission Lines,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 158–168, 2025.
Research group
Aalto: This research position will be supported by the Millimeter Wave and THz Techniques research group at Aalto, which is led by Professor Zachary Taylor. The Millimeter wave and THz techniques group is a key member of MilliLab Finland; one of only eleven ESA centers of excellence. MilliLab has facilities in both Aalto University and neighboring VTT and the doctoral candidate will have access to state-of-the-art RF engineering facilities and use of vector network analyzer extenders from 50 GHz – 1100 GHz.
Collaborators: This work is in collaboration with Chalmers University (Sweden) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. These collaborators and their facilities ensure that the doctoral candidate will have experienced support, in addition to that by the researchers and other doctoral students of the Aalto THz group, on every aspect of the research project.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, astronomical instrumentation or related topics
- Comfortable with both theory and experiments. Experimental experience (especially with cryogenics) a plus.
- Experience with Electromagnetic simulation software a plus
- High level competency in MATLAB/Python
- Good command of English
Outcomes and opportunities afforded by this research program
- High level competence with electromagnetic theory and simulation
- High level competence in interdisciplinary lab work
- Travel abroad to train in THz techniques
- Eminently employable in microwave/mm-wave or cryogenic research or industrial settings
- Valuable skills for the quantum computing industry
- Exposure and networking with international collaborators
Salary and contract terms
Starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 3075 €/month. Salary will increase according to responsibilities and performance over time. The contract includes occupational health benefits, holiday bonus, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Start time is negotiable but sooner is preferable.
Ready to apply?
To apply, please share your application with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) at the latest by 28 February 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Please include the following attachments:
- Application cover letter
- Course transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with grades
- Curriculum Vitae (with the list of publications if you have)
- Description of Master’s thesis project
- References
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
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For more information regarding the open position, please contact Professor Zachary Taylor,
zachary.taylor@aalto.fi
. Additional information in recruitment process related questions, please contact ELEC’s HR Advisor, hr-elec@aalto.fi
.
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