Helsinki Institute of Physics, Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics
Program ID:
Helsinki Institute of Physics-Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics-SRF25 [#31174]
Program Title:
Senior Research Fellow in Plasma Astrophysics
Program Type:
Fellowship or award
Program Location:
University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
2026/01/31 11:59PM
(posted 2025/11/11)
(posted 2025/11/11)Program Description:
Program Description
Applications are invited for the position of Senior Research Fellow in Plasma Astrophysics at the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, University of Helsinki, Finland (neutronstars.fi). A successful candidate is expected to lead an independent research program related to neutron stars, with strong synergy with the plasma astrophysics and high-energy astrophysics research conducted at the host institute.The researcher will join a vibrant scientific environment with active theoretical, observational, and computational research on astrophysical plasmas. They will conduct research in collaboration with professors in astrophysics, Joonas Nättilä (natj.github.io) and Juri Poutanen (users.utu.fi/jurpou), as well as in adjacent fields (Anu Kankainen, Markus Kortelainen, Aleksi Vuorinen). The proposed research may be independently directed or involve substantial collaboration with senior researchers. It should also include substantial collaboration with local students and junior researchers.
Application process: The initial appointment will be for 2 years, with an anticipated renewal for a total duration of up to 5 years (contingent on satisfactory performance and funding). The start date is flexible. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in astrophysics, plasma physics, computational physics, or a related field and demonstrate strong potential for independent research in astrophysics. Application materials should include:
- CV
- List of publications (incl. papers and possible scientific software developed)
- Research statement (maximum 3 pages) summarizing past research achievements, outlining the planned research program, and including a brief funding plan describing how the applicant intends to establish and support their own group
- Contact information for 3 reference writers (they will be contacted later in the process)
All application materials should be sent via the AcademicJobsOnline system. Evaluation starts January 31, 2026 but we accept applications until the positions are filled.
Helsinki: Finland has been selected as the happiest country eight times in a row and is one of the safest locations worldwide. We enjoy beautiful nature and the cleanest air in the world. Helsinki is an international city, known for its architecture and design, packed with diverse cultural and recreational activities and outstanding services for families and children. Research at the University of Helsinki is supported by numerous grants, including several ERC awards and the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics (2026–2033), funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Universities of Helsinki, Jyväskylä, and Turku. We are committed to fostering equality, diversity, inclusion, and workplace well-being.
Compensation and Benefits:
The annual salary will be approximately 50,000–65,000 EUR, including comprehensive occupational health care. The position offers generous travel funds, opportunities to work with top physics students, and access to exceptional computing resources, including the LUMI supercomputer and the dedicated local cluster HILE. In addition, the position includes five weeks of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave, and paid parental leave.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
And anything else requested in the program description.
Further Info: