Doctoral Researcher (Photoacoustic Aerosol and Black Carbon Measurements) / Väitöskirjatutkija (Fotoakustiset aerosoli- ja mustan hiilen mittaukset)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society . www.tuni.fi/en

The Aerosol and Cloud Particle Optics group, part of the Aerosol Physics Laboratory at Tampere University, is establishing a new research direction in photoacoustic measurement technology within Tampere's strong aerosol research ecosystem. The group brings established expertise in photoacoustic and optical measurements, complemented by the Aerosol Physics Laboratory's long-standing expertise in aerosols and combustion processes. This work builds on monitoring-capable, multi-wavelength photoacoustic instrumentation, including PAAS-4λ, which has been operating at Hyytiälä since 2023.

Job Description

As a doctoral researcher, you will carry out a focused research project on next-generation photoacoustic methods for aerosol and black-carbon measurements. Your core tasks will be to contribute to the development and construction of a new PAAS instrument version for laboratory testing and characterization, and to develop, test and validate new traceable calibration routines for photoacoustic and optical aerosol measurements. The work combines hands-on instrumentation, laboratory experiments, uncertainty analysis, programming and scientific data analysis.

A central motivation is Directive (EU) 2024/2881 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, which introduces black-carbon monitoring at urban and rural monitoring supersites. This creates a clear need for accurate, traceable and comparable optical measurements of equivalent black carbon (eBC).

As your expertise develops, you will have room to shape your own research questions. Possible directions include analysing existing data from sub-Arctic and Arctic regions, investigating how atmospheric processing changes the optical properties of black carbon, and developing ideas for future measurements.

Applicants must hold an internationally recognized Master's degree in physics, engineering, aerosol or atmospheric science, optics, photonics, environmental science or another relevant field by the starting date. You should be motivated by experimental research, measurement technology and learning across disciplines.

The most important qualifications are hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation and strong programming and data-analysis skills in Python, MATLAB or comparable tools. Previous work with black-carbon or photoacoustic instruments is a significant advantage. Experience in aerosol measurements, optics, electronics, data acquisition, calibration or uncertainty analysis is also valuable. Excellent English and constructive teamwork are essential; Finnish is not required.

We offer

You will receive structured doctoral training and close scientific supervision while developing expertise in experimental aerosol science, optics and advanced measurement technology. You will work closely with the Postdoctoral Researcher recruited alongside this position and with experienced researchers in the group. As your project progresses, you will take increasing responsibility for experiments, analysis, publications and presentations at international conferences.

We offer a fixed-term Doctoral Researcher position for three years. The preferred starting date is 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible by mutual agreement. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is around EUR 3,000 per month.

The Aerosol and Cloud Particle Optics group has a long record of developing optical instruments for aerosol and cloud research and an extensive network of international collaborators. At Tampere University, this expertise is embedded in the Aerosol Physics Laboratory, adding its strengths in aerosols, combustion processes and measurement technology to a strong interdisciplinary research environment.

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University and information about Tampere University as an employer. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.

Read More About Finland And Tampere City

Visit FinlandThis is FinlandMinistry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to FinlandVisit Tampere

How To Apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 18th of Oktober (23:59 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

Applications Should Include The Following Documents

Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelinesList of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelinesContact information for two refereesMotivation letter describing your relevant experience, research interests and motivation for doctoral research in photoacoustic aerosol and black-carbon measurement technology

For More Information, Please Contact

Martin Schnaiter, martin.schnaiter@tuni.fi

Emma Järvinen, emma.jarvinen@tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tehtävänkuvaus

Tampereen yliopiston Aerosol and Cloud Particle Optics -tutkimusryhmä etsii väitöskirjatutkijaa kehittämään fotoakustista mittausteknologiaa aerosoli- ja mustan hiilen mittauksiin. Työhön kuuluu uuden PAAS-mittalaitteen version rakentaminen ja testaaminen sekä uusien jäljitettävien kalibrointimenetelmien kehittäminen.

Tutkimuksessa voidaan hyödyntää olemassa olevia subarktisilta ja arktisilta alueilta kerättyjä aineistoja sekä kehittää uusia mittausideoita. Ryhmän pitkä kokemus optisten mittalaitteiden kehittämisestä ja kansainvälisestä yhteistyöstä yhdistyy Aerosolifysiikan laboratorion vahvaan aerosoli-, polttoprosessi- ja mittausteknologiaosaamiseen.

Tehtävä täytetään kolmeksi vuodeksi. Toivottu aloitusajankohta on 1.1.2027 tai mahdollisimman pian sopimuksen mukaan.

Edellytykset

Hakijalla tulee olla soveltuva ylempi korkeakoulututkinto, sujuva englannin kielen taito, käytännön instrumentointiosaamista ja hyvät ohjelmointitaidot. Kokemus mustan hiilen tai fotoakustisista mittalaitteista katsotaan erityiseksi eduksi.

Hakijan tulee pystyä työskentelemään yhteistyössä kansainvälisessä ja monitieteisessä tutkimusympäristössä.

Hakuohjeet

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta).

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 18.10.2026.