Postdoctoral researcher fixed term position at the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO

The Finnish Centre of Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) at the University of Turku invites applications for contract-based fixed term Postdoctoral Researcher position. Employment starts on mutual agreement or by September 1st 2025 at the latest.

The Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) is a national research institute that takes care of Finnish co-operation with the European Southern Observatory (ESO), practices and co-ordinates high quality astronomical research, and technological development work related to ESO; participates in researcher training; and promotes co-operation of Finnish universities in astronomy.

The successful candidate will join the Research Council of Finland -funded JetOrigin project, which is run jointly by  Dr. Talvikki Hovatta at FINCA at University of Turku and by  Dr. Tuomas Savolainen at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering and Metsähovi Radio Observatory at Aalto University.

Job description

The research concentrates on the physics of relativistic jets launched from accreting supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN). These black hole powered jets are among the most energetic long-lived phenomena in the Universe and despite their ubiquity, many of the fundamental questions regarding their physics are still open. We do not for example understand well their launching and acceleration mechanisms. With its sub-milliarcsecond resolution, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) with radio telescopes is the only observational method that allows us to image the jet formation region. The most remarkable example of the power of this technique are the recent images by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).

Your task is to analyze existing polarization observations conducted with the EHT in order to study magnetic fields in the plasma jets launched by supermassive black holes. You will also compare the observations with numerical simulations and theoretical models, and apply for new observations.

You will get to work in a research group that has several PhD students and postdocs and an active environment at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory. There are also many international collaborators, and an excellent possibility to network and participate in international conferences and workshops, and make research visits.

Who we are looking for

We expect the candidates to have:

• PhD in astronomy or a closely related field (graduation by the start date of the assignment)
• Strong background in radio interferometry, preferably very long baseline interferometry
• A track record of scientific publications in high-quality peer reviewed journals
• Professional-level communication and presentation skills in English
• Self-motivated and able to work independently

Experience in polarimetric VLBI observations and analysis of EHT data is considered an advantage.

The qualification requirements of the position are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your skills in a diverse environment. We take care of your well-being at work and your everyday life through our wellbeing services. Read more about us as an employer: Come work with us!

The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo as a sign of the University's commitment to the continuous improvement of the status and working conditions of researchers in line with the objectives of the European Charter for Researchers.

Metsähovi Radio Observatory is located in a protected radio quiet zone in the middle of picturesque Kirkkonummi countryside, about 35 km from the Aalto University Otaniemi campus and 40 km from Helsinki city centre. As a living and work environment, Finland consistently ranks high in quality-of-life.

University of Turku offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland

Start of the position and salary

The selected candidate should start in the position by September 1st 2025 the latest. The fixed-term contract is initially for two years with a possible extension of a 3rd year at Aalto University. The 3rd year employment at Aalto would be either as a postdoctoral researcher or a research fellow, depending on the qualifications of the applicant.
The salary is determined in accordance with the UTU salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a postdoctoral researcher at the beginning of the employment, the salary is approximately 3400-3800 €/month. The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared and is influenced by previous experience and skills. Support for participation in conferences and research visits is available.

The position has a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 29 November 2024 (16:00 EET) at the latest via the electronic application form of the University of Turku but we will start reviewing and interviewing candidates immediately. However, all applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and the decision will be made after the application period has ended. The link to the electronic application system can be found at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job).
This job announcement can be found from the University of Turku recruitment page: http://www.utu.fi/careers.

Applications in English must include:

• a CV
• a list of relevant publications
• a motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
• At least two letters of recommendation must be arranged to be sent directly to Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi. 

We encourage applications from candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, or background.

Further information

For more information on the position, contact Dr. Talvikki Hovatta, talvikki.hovatta(at)utu.fi or Dr. Tuomas Savolainen, tuomas.k.savolainen(at)aalto.fi.

For more information on the application process, contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto(at)utu.fi.

Finnish Center for Astronomy with ESO

FINCA - Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO practises and co-ordinates Finnish high quality research in fields of astronomy with European Southern Observatory (ESO) and promotes technological development work related to ESO.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

Information for the applicant

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You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

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