The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is looking for recruiting a doctoral researcher / project researcher for a fixed-term position.
The doctoral candidate will be working in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in a research project funded by the Research Council of Finland “Rubin's theorem for subshifts” (1.9.2026-31.12.2030). The fixed term position starts at the earliest on the 1st of September 2026 or upon mutual agreement, and lasts two years.
Job description
Rubin’s theorem says that in certain situations an abstract group acting on a topological space remembers the structure of the space, in the sense that the group contains a kind of virtual copy of the space. The Rubin's theorem for subshifts project aims to show that the automorphism group of a sufficiently rich/complex subshift similarly remembers in its algebraic structure the dynamical structure of the subshift.
The project combines discrete-time dynamical systems, (geometric) group theory, topology, logic and computability. The research topic of the doctoral candidate will be customized depending on the interests and academic background of the candidate, one possibility being the study of subgroups of the automorphism group of the full shift AZ (i.e. the group of one-dimensional reversible cellular automata).
Who we are looking for
- The candidates must have high motivation to do research.
- The candidates must hold a master degree (MSc) or equivalent degree in mathematics or corresponding field, or will graduate soon.
- The applicants need to have the ability to conduct independent scientific work.
- The candidates should have good English skills.
An advantage is considered if the applicant has basic knowledge in at least one field related to the project: discrete-time dynamical systems, geometric group theory (or infinite groups in general), point-set topology, first-order logic or computability.
The qualification requirements of the position state in the University of Turku’s Rules of Procedure: In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (autumn 2026 / spring 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs. If the candidate is close to graduation (MSc or equivalent), an employment contract is initially made under the title of a research assistant and the right to study for a doctoral degree is applied for after graduation in the next possible call (autumn 2026 / spring 2027).
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
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• City of Turku,
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• Working life: infoFinland.fi
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Salary and trial period
Salary will be determined in a contract. Salary will be determined through University of Turku system for research and teaching personnel and for a doctoral researcher / project researcher will be in levels 2-4 and personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience and basis on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2 500 –2 800 € / month. For a research assistant it will be in level 1 and additional personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will be approximately 2 300 –2 450 €/month in the beginning of the employment.
A six (6) months trial period applies to the position.
How to apply
In your application, please include
• A CV
• A cover letter
• A degree certificate (MSc or equivalent; on the application form under "other")
• Other documents that may affect the decision-making (for example a research plan, awards)
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 10 August, 2026 at 4pm (Europe/Helsinki).
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Ville Salo, [email protected]
With questions about the application process, please contact HR Specialist Susanna Virtanen, [email protected]
