Postdoctoral researcher positions available at FINCA

Applications are now invited for postdoctoral researcher positions at FINCA, in particular to work on ESO-related research and activities. Note that the incumbents can be based in any of the participating universities of FINCA around Finland, namely Aalto, Helsinki, Oulu, or Turku, while UTU will be the formal employer. The start of employment is flexible and negotiable, within the calendar year 2027. Appointments, of which there will be 1-2, are made for a period of three years. The Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) is a national research institute in Finland, with its headquarters within the University of Turku (UTU) campus. Turku is a historic city in the South-West of Finland on the Baltic Sea and the picturesque Aland archipelago. FINCA takes care of Finnish co-operation with the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and practises and co-ordinates multi-wavelength astronomical research with all Finnish universities in the field, and participates in researcher training. FINCA is involved in ESO-related technological development work being a full member in the MICADO consortium building a first-light instrument on ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope. FINCA is a partner also in ELT/MOSAIC, and is an active partner in the SOXS instrument soon starting operations at the ESO/NTT. All these involvements include guaranteed time. FINCA plays an active role in the support of the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) on the Canary Islands, for which all Finland-based astronomers have direct access to, and FINCA researchers also utilize the Metsähovi Radio Observatory at Aalto University. Job description FINCA postdoctoral researchers are free to pursue their own independent research in an area related to FINCA’s main research themes and active areas in the participating universities (please explore links found on the FINCA webpage, for research at the various locations). Fellows are also expected to supervise undergraduate or (post)graduate students at their host university, and are encouraged to participate in teaching. Areas of research cover a large range in contemporary astronomy, from observational cosmology, active galaxies, and galaxy formation and evolution, through studies of the structure, kinematics, stellar populations and star formation of nearby galaxies, to astrophysical transients, supernovae and their host galaxies, compact binaries, stellar magnetic activity, interstellar medium and star formation, and Solar System and planetary studies. Aligning with FINCA’s mandate, research strengthening Finland’s utilisation of ESO facilities is prioritised, observational work in particular, but also including suitable theoretical work. Applicants with an interest in instrumentation development are especially encouraged to apply. A generous research grant is available for travel, and, in addition, FINCA provides an incentive grant for those being awarded ESO, including ALMA, observing time. Who we are looking for The positions require a PhD in astronomy or a closely related subject. Experience and background in observational astronomy is essential, and experience with large international facilities, and with ESO in particular, are an advantage. The applicant must have completed all requirements for their doctorate before the application deadline, but there can be no more than five years since the graduation at the time of application deadline. Relevant personal circumstances, such as parental leaves, are taken into account in determining the five-year limit. The formal qualification requirements of the position are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. Benefits at University of Turku We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services. Salary and trial period The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the teaching and research personnel category. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is based on levels 5-6. A personal performance component is added to the task-specific salary. The starting salary for the position is approximately 3700-4000 e/month, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience. How to apply Please submit your application via the electronic application form of the University of Turku by 30 October 2026 at 4 pm (EET) at the latest. The application should contain the following four items, in addition to arranging the recommendation letters to be seen: CV, List of publications, Proof of completed PhD, Research plan describing research interests and future plans highlighting, ESO-related aspects, and potential connections to FINCA; please also mention which FINCA node(s) would be preferable, Letters of recommendation from at least two referees familiar with the applicant's work must be arranged to be sent by e-mail to the director of FINCA (petri.vaisanen at utu.fi) by the application deadline, Selection will be based on excellence of research and relevance to FINCA research. We invite applications from candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, or background. Further information For more information about the position, please contact the director of FINCA, prof. Petri Väisänen, petri.vaisanen at utu.fi. In case you need help with the application process, please contact HR Specialist Saija Marjasto, saija.marjasto at utu.fi.

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