Postdoctoral Researcher Position in AI/DFT/DMFT Computational Materials Discovery - Aalto University

Professor Andrei Bernevig (Princeton University; visiting professor at Aalto University) and Professor Päivi Törmä (Aalto University) are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the discovery of new superconducting materials with high critical temperatures, using novel methods and concepts such as machine learning and quantum geometry. The project is related to large-scale collaborative efforts in superconductivity research, namely SuperC led by Päivi Törmä and the Simons Collaboration on New Frontiers of Superconductivity led by Andrei Bernevig, and it is part of the Finnish Center of Excellence in Quantum Materials.

Your role and goals

The research will focus on developing and using machine learning algorithms to discover novel materials and to build generative models capable of breakthroughs. The research will mix state of the art numerical skills with analytic understanding. Your task is to predict new classes of materials that have not been considered before, beyond substitutional frameworks, and target desirable properties such as high critical temperature. The work is done in close collaboration with experimentalists: the most promising materials will be synthesized, providing direct feedback on theory analysis and further predictions. The goal is to develop a theoretical and computational approach that has strong predictive power for finding completely new types of materials.     

We are searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher with excellent numerical skills and a deep understanding of condensed-matter physics concepts. Experience in machine learning, DFT, symmetry aware learning, material science, and group theory is required.

Andrei Bernevig is a leading scientist in the research of quantum materials and has, for example, predicted topological materials and developed a systematic approach to identify thousands of new topological materials. Päivi Törmä has pioneered the idea that quantum geometry allows supercurrent and superconductivity in flat bands where non-interacting particles are localized. For recent research outputs of the PIs, please see Andrei Bernevig’s entry at Google Scholar, and Päivi Törmä’s at Google Scholar.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a bright and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with an excellent record. Good command of English (both verbal and written) and demonstrated ability to disseminate scientific results are mandatory requirements for the position. Finnish language is not required. Applicants must be motivated to conduct research at the highest international level.

Postdoctoral Researchers must hold a PhD degree in a suitable field. Also, researchers that are finishing their PhD within a few months may apply.

What we offer

Your location will be Aalto University, Finland and you will be part of the Quantum Dynamics group of Päivi Törmä and collaborate with her. In addition to Päivi, Andrei Bernevig will also guide your work, and you will have the opportunity to meet him during his visits to Aalto University. You will also make visits to Princeton University, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), or Dresden Max Planck. It is also possible to visit the experimentalists we will be collaborating with.

Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary ranges for a postdoc from 4138€ to 4549€ per month, depending on previous experience, and the postdoc contracts will initially be made for 2 years. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Place and infrastructure

You will join the QD group at Aalto University. Computational facilities available for the project are outstanding, and completely free of charge. Aalto University has its own cluster, and the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC are available. For instance, last year, their LUMI supercomputer ranked nineth in the TOP500 list of supercomputers.

Aalto University has six schools with 14 000 students and 400 professors. It is the largest university in Finland focusing on education and research and technology, science, business, and arts. The QD group is located on the Otaniemi campus in Espoo (10 km from the city center of Helsinki), which is one of the largest hubs of high-tech in Northern Europe.

Join us!

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by clicking “Apply now!” button in our web page.

1. Letter of motivation including a maximum 2 pages research statement

2. CV including list of publications

3. Degree certificates and academic transcripts

4. Contact details of at least two referees 

The deadline for applications is 22nd of March 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Andrei Bernevig (bernevig@princeton.edu) and/or Prof. Päivi Törmä (paivi.torma@aalto.fi). 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. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

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 visitors should apply as external candidates with personal (not Aalto) email.

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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.

About Finland

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