Master’s thesis/Research Assistant position on fabrication of 2D-materials-based quantum devices

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

At the Department of Applied Physics, our pioneering research in physical sciences creates important industrial applications that hold great technological potential. Our research focuses on Materials physics; Quantum technology; Soft & living matter; and Advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. We educate future generations of research and development professionals; data specialists; technology experts; inventors; and scientists for industry and society.

The Atomic Scale Physics group at the Department of Applied Physics is looking for a MSc degree student at Aalto or some other university to work with us in the field of 2D materials based quantum devices. The student/assistant will conduct advanced research on low-dimensional quantum materials using cutting-edge methodologies, including cleanroom nanofabrication and possibly participate in transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures. This work will be conducted within a leading research group recognized for its expertise in quantum materials and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy.

Your role and goals

The goal of the student is to study emergent electronic phenomena in two-dimensional materials. Typical examples of these materials include van der Waals monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenide superconductors, Mott insulators, ferromagnets, multiferroics, graphene, etc.

Your tasks will include:

• Exfoliation of van der Waals materials followed by stacking on a transfer station/glovebox.
• Characterization of 2D materials using Raman spectroscopy, AFM and/or cryogenic STM.
• Data Analysis of low temperature measurements.
• Collaboration with group members and theoretical/computational partners

Your experience and ambitions

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of condensed matter physics or a closely related field.
• Existing skills and knowledge in nanofabrication and clean room processing of 2D materials (required).
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of an international and multidisciplinary research group.
• Interest in experimental condensed matter physics.
• Excellent command of English. The Finnish language is not required.

What we offer

We offer a fully funded master´s thesis/research assistant position in the Atomic Scale Physics group led by Prof. Peter Liljeroth. The group consists currently of 2 Academy Research Fellows, 1 Postdoctoral Researchers and 5 Doctoral Researchers. The group focuses studying physical phenomena in atomically precise materials characterized using scanning tunneling microscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy in a wide array of systems such as heterostructures of two-dimensional van der Waals materials, atomically well-defined graphene nanoribbons, and artificial lattices on surfaces.

The employment contract is for at least six months (with a possibility of continuation as a PhD). The duration of the employment and the working-time percentage depend, among other things, on the student’s study situation and on whether they will be doing their Master's thesis during the employment contract. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary for a research assistant is approximately 2294-2514 € per month (gross) depending on the stage of your studies. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. There is great freedom in your role, and we have a flexible modern working culture. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life.

We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo. Life at the transformed Otaniemi campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the recently opened metro line.

Join us!

To apply, please share the following application materials with us through our recruitment site (click "Apply now!” button on Aalto University’s webpage). Include the following documents:

• Brief cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for this position
• CV including education background, skills and a list of publications
• Degree certificates and/or academic transcripts
• Recommendation letter(s) and/or contact details of references.

The deadline for applications is 31st May 2026. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

See the group webpage and feel free to contact Dr. Ziying Wang (ziying.wang@aalto.fi) or Rajlaxmi Bhoite (rajlaxmi.bhoite@aalto.fi) for more details of this position.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). Aalto University’s students and visitors should apply as external candidates with personal (not aalto) email.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto: Careers at Aalto | Aalto University

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About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: WHR Dashboard. For more information about living in Finland: For international staff | Aalto University.

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