Doctoral Researcher in Numerical Modeling of Sea Ice
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.
School of Engineering is an international unit with nearly 70 talented professors and 3400 full-time students. Currently, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has 30 professors together with lecturers, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral students, and technical staff. In total, the number of personnel is about 300.
We are now looking for a
Doctoral Researcher in Numerical Modeling of Sea Ice
We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher to join our ice mechanics research group at Aalto University to work on collaborative project between Aalto University and Finnish Meteorological Institute focusing on ice pile-ups and related risks to coastal structures and erosion. The ice rubble piles form as sea ice is pushed by wind towards the coastlines, fractures and fractured ice piles up.
Your role and goals
The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research on the numerical modelling of sea ice accumulations against coastline and coastal structures such as breakwaters by using computational tools developed in our research group. These tools are based on discrete element method and they have bee validated against experimental data. You will start your work by further developing the code to include time dependent cohesive bonding between the ice blocks. Then you will use the code to model ice pile-up. The work will have a multi-scale component as you will combine your detailed, engineering-scale modelling of ice pile-up formation with results from a large-scale sea ice model on regional scale ice conditions. Overall focus will be on identifying the critical combinations of ice and weather conditions that drive ice-related risks to coastal areas and structures. The modelling results will feed into the design of a warning and monitoring system concept for ice-induced risks, developed jointly with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. You will publish in leading scientific journals, present at conferences, participate in the research group's activities, and assist in advising master's students.
Your network and team
Your doctoral studies and research will be supervised by Associate Professor Arttu Polojärvi. You will work in his team and in close collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. You will also become part of the Marine and Arctic Technology research group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, consisting of seven professors and a group of doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers.
Your experience and ambitions
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in mechanics and computational engineering. Demonstrated interest in the physics of sea ice and computational modelling of ice will be considered as an advantage. Suitable backgrounds include solid mechanics, mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, civil engineering, applied physics, engineering mechanics, or naval architecture and marine engineering.
Required:
- Solid coursework or research experience in mechanics
- Prior exposure to numerical/computational modelling methods (e.g. discrete element method or finite element analysis)
- Strong programming skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English
Considered an advantage:
- Experience with C, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
- Experience in scientific writing and academic publishing
Students in the final year of their master's programme are also welcome to apply, provided the degree is completed before the doctoral contract begins. Applicants must fulfil the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto's Doctoral Programme in Engineering; only the successful candidate applies to the Doctoral Programme itself, at the next application window. Aalto University master's students may start the work in the project by writing their master's thesis. The doctoral degree will be awarded upon completion of doctoral coursework (30 ECTS), an article-based or monograph dissertation, and a successful public defense.
What we offer
You will join an internationally leading research environment in sea ice mechanics and ice engineering and geophysics, working on a real-world, field-connected research problem, as part of a large and active team in marine and arctic engineering. Salary follows the doctoral researcher salary scheme of Aalto University and increases as the doctoral researcher progresses in their studies. The starting date is as soon as possible.
We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. We work in a hybrid model, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.
Join us!
To apply, please apply through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) latest on 16th of September 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time (UTC+3). Include the following attachments:
- Motivation letter with contact information and preferred starting date (max 1 page)
- CV including academic outputs and publications (if available)
- Contact information for two referees
- Summary of the applicant's master's thesis (max 1 page)
- Master's degree certificate and transcript of records
Aalto University employees should apply via Workday (Internal Jobs); students or visitors should apply via Aalto University's open positions page.
For more information about the role or application process, please contact Professor Arttu Polojärvi ([email protected]).
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