Helsinki Institute of Physics, Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics

Fellowship ID:
Helsinki Institute of Physics-Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics-NORPPA25 [#31175]
Fellowship Title: 
Nordic Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Fellowship (NORPPA) in Astrophysics
Fellowship Type:
Fellowship or award
Location:
University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
Subject Areas: 
Astrophysics / High Energy Astrophysics, Computational Astrophysics, Theoretical Astrophysics
Appl Deadline:
2025/12/15 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/11/11)
Description:
   

Description

Applications are invited for postdoctoral research positions as Nordic Postdoctoral Plasma Fellows (NORPPA Fellows) at the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, University of Helsinki, Finland (neutronstars.fi). The selected fellows are expected to perform cutting-edge research on a topic that has strong synergy with the plasma astrophysics and high-energy astrophysics research conducted in the Center of Excellence. 

The researcher will join a vibrant scientific environment with active theoretical, observational, and computational research on astrophysical plasmas. The fellow will conduct research under the mentorship of 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. 
 
Application process: The initial appointment will be for 2 years, with an anticipated renewal for a total duration of up to 3 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 by the appointment date. Application materials should include: 
  • CV 
  • List of publications (incl. papers and possible scientific software developed)
  • Research statement (maximum 3 pages) summarizing past research achievements and outlining the planned research program 
  • 3 reference letters 
All application materials should be sent via the AcademicJobsOnline system by 15th of December, 2025. Late applications can be considered. Evaluation starts January 15, 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 45,000–50,000 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 reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site. Letters should be submitted by 2025/12/31 11:59PM help popup)
And anything else requested in the description.

Further Info:
https://neutronstars.fi/
email address
 
P.O. Box 64
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland