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 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 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 Soft Matter and Wetting Group (
http://physics.aalto.fi/smw) headed by Prof. Robin Ras at Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, invites applications for a
Research Assistant (Master’s thesis position) position in thin film deposition for an advanced anti-fogging technology. The position is funded from a Business Finland commercialization project in a collaboration with the group of Prof. Heikki Nieminen. We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our team. The successful applicant will be involved in the
design, fabrication, and testing of functional thin film coatings.
Key responsibilities include:- Preparing advanced surfaces using state-of-the-art thin film technologies and performing basic characterization of prepared thin films.
- Performing wettability and durability tests on developed materials
- Participating in performance testing and analyzing experimental results
- Participating in commercialization of developed materials.
Qualifications:- Background in materials science, nanotechnology, physics, chemistry, or a related field
- Experience with thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, etc.) and/or surface characterization (contact angle goniometry, electron microscopy, ellipsometry, spectroscopy, etc.) is an advantage
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Excellent study record
- Good English & team working skills.
Your network and team
The Research Assistant will be based in Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University with high-tech facilities in this department along with the facilities in Micronova and OtaNano. The facilities cover a comprehensive range of equipment, including atomic layer deposition devices, electron microscopy, ellipsometry, spectroscopic equipment, etc. Finnish language is not required.
What we offer
The employment contract will be fixed term and made for 6 months. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary for a master’s thesis worker is approximately 2460 € per month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.
Join us!
If you would like to be considered for the position, please submit your application in English through our recruitment system by clicking the link “Apply now!” on our webpage.
To apply, please share the following application materials with us:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Study transcripts
- Other supporting material
- Contact details of referees (up to 3)
Kindly apply before the deadline - 25.11.2025. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since we aim to fill this position as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, extend the application period, reopen the application process, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
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.
More information
For additional information, contact Prof. Robin Ras,
robin.ras@aalto.fi.
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
Check out our new virtual campus experience:
Aalto University - virtual campus tour
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:
https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland:
Living in Finland | Aalto University and
For international staff | Aalto University
