Postdoctoral Researcher In The Field Of Experimental Ultra-Low Temperature Physics

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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.

Topological Quantum Fluids group at the Department of Applied Physics, is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher

We are looking for a talented condensed matter experimentalist to work on time crystals realized in superfluid helium-3 on a world-wide unique ultra-low-temperature infrastructure at Aalto University School of Science. In this position you will have a chance to make fundamental discoveries in the physics of the new state of matter, time crystals, coupled to versatile topological materials. These discoveries may pave the way for applications of time crystals in quantum measurements and as long-coherence-time elements of quantum devices.

In recent years we developed one of the most robust realization of time crystals as Bose-Einstein condensates of magnon quasiparticles in helium-3 at temperatures below 200 μK. Our current goal is to couple such a time crystal to a nanomechanical oscillator to create an equivalent optomechanical system. As a next step, we will use well-developed optomechanical protocols to implement ultra-sensitive, potentially quantum-enhanced probes based on magnon time crystals and operating in the frequency and temperature ranges inaccessible to traditional optomechanics. Additionally, we intend to move the magnon time crystals within the superfluid using magnetic traps to build the first ever scanning microscope for topological phases of helium-3. This will allow to probe and control edge states at the topological phase boundaries and Majorana modes in the cores of half-quantum vortices.

Your role

Your tasks will include the design of the experiment, participation in the fabrication of devices and samples, implementing and carrying out measurements at ultra-low temperatures, analysis of the data and preparation of publications, supervision of graduate students, participation in international collaborations, as well as interaction with theorists.

The work is done as teamwork in the Topological Quantum Fluids research group at the Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University. You will have a chance to participate also in other projects ongoing in the group: a laboratory simulator of the neutron star dynamics in rotating superfluid helium-3 and studies of vortex dynamics in superfluid helium-4 using nanomechanical sensors.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with eagerness to work on tough experimental challenges on the frontier of quantum science. We expect the candidates to have:

• PhD degree in physics.
• Experience in experimental research on superfluids.
• Mastering of micro and nanofabrication techniques.
• Knowledge of optomechanical and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques is desirable.
• Understanding of fermionic superfluidity/superconductivity and topological materials is beneficial.
• Working skills in data analysis and automation of experiments with MATLAB, Python, or equivalent.
• Experience on operating dilution or nuclear demagnetization refrigerators.
• Excellent skills in English. Finnish language is not required.

What we offer

We are working in a vigorous research environment on quantum materials and technology in one of the largest innovation hubs of Nordic countries. We utilize state-of-the-art measurement and nanofabrication facilities at Low Temperature Laboratory and Micronova nanofabrication center, which are part of the national OtaNano research infrastructure (www.aalto.fi/en/otanano). The central instrument in this project is the Rota cryostat capable of cooling superfluid helium-3 in rotation to the lowest temperatures in the world. It will allow you to perform groundbreaking experiments which nowhere else can be attempted.

In this position, you have the possibility to follow closely and contribute to the development of hot areas of modern condensed-matter physics: time crystals and topological materials. You will gain experience in combining diverse experimental techniques in the demanding environment of submillikelvin temperatures and will learn about fertilizing connections between different areas of physics.

The position is full-time. Contract will initially be made 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. 4130 €/month. The salary ranges from 4130 € to 4550 € per month, depending on previous experience. The contract includes occupational healthcare.

The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus at Aalto University. The work is done in Finland. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

Join us!

To apply for the position, 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”). The closing date for applications is May 31, 2026.

(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)

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 screening of candidates will start immediately. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

For additional information, kindly contact Dr. Vladimir Eltsov (vladimir.eltsov (at) aalto.fi).

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.

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