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 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.
The Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis is an international highly regarded academic community of more than 100 employees, with around 20 professors, 10 lecturers, 20 postdocs, and 60 doctoral candidates. Our department has a particularly welcoming culture, nurturing innovativeness and communication among our international and diverse faculty.
The Applied Mathematics Research Group in the Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis at the School of Science is seeking for a
Doctoral Candidate in Applied Mathematics
to work under the supervision of Prof. Vanni Noferini.
Your role and goals
You will work on the theme of “Matrix nearness problems via Riemannian optimisation’’. Areas of mathematics that are relevant include matrix theory, numerical linear algebra, numerical analysis, optimisation, and differential geometry. The project lies at the intersection of numerical linear algebra and Riemannian optimisation, and its main goal is to perform further research on some recently introduced methodology based on recasting matrix nearness problems as optimisation tasks on manifold. You are expected to also coordinate with international researchers in the relevant disciplines.
We hope you could start in September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Your experience
It is important that you can work both independently as well as in a team. You should have a strong internal motivation for pursuing a PhD degree. The working language of the group is English, and we expect all our team members to have very strong written and oral English skills to ensure efficient communication and collaboration. Finnish language is not required.
A solid background on the areas of mathematics most relevant to the project is appreciated; excellent academic performance in previous studies is also valued. Knowledge of at least one scientific computing programming language, e.g., MATLAB or Julia, is highly desirable.
Other requirements:
- Master’s degree in Mathematics, or equivalent on a related discipline
- Strong drive towards excellence in science and technology at the highest international level
- Capacity to work in an inclusive and respectful manner
The Doctoral Program at Aalto University is intended for the candidates of excellent academic background motivated in pursuing a full-time doctoral program and producing cutting-edge research of the highest international level. Applicants must fulfill the admission criteria of the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science and, if chosen for a position, apply for and obtain the right to pursue doctoral studies at Aalto University. For more information on the general requirements and the application process for doctoral studies, please visit
https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education.
What we offer
The fixed term contract is
initially for 2 years with a possible 2-year extension after passing the midterm review. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1612 hours. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is
2816 € per month (gross), and it increases as you progress in your research and 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 projects based on your interests and needs. There is great freedom in your role, and we have a flexible modern working culture. The primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo. Life on the revitalized Otaniemi campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.
How to apply
Please apply through the link "Apply now" at the bottom of this page. Application material should include (all documents in English):
- Letter of motivation (max. one page)
- Resume or CV (indicating at least your contact information, working history, list of publications, programming skills, language skills, completed and ongoing university degrees indicating the grade point average, and honors and awards)
- Two letters of recommendation (or contact details of two possible referees)
Please send your application as a single PDF file at your earliest convenience by 30 July 2025 through the recruitment system. We may invite suitable candidates to an online interview already 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.
For further information of the available position, contact Prof. Vanni Noferini
firstname.lastname@aalto.fi.
For information on the recruitment process you can contact
hr-sci@aalto.fi until 25 July, and HR Partner Johanna Glader from 28 July onwards (
firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).
Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider also candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues
? You can watch these videos:
This is Aalto University!,
Aalto University - Towards a better world and
Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto and check out our new virtual campus experience:
https://virtualtour.aalto.fi
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 listed again as the happiest country in the world:
World Happiness Report 2025
