Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis
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 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is 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 School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM School) is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.
The Atomic Scale Processing group (Prof. Miika Mattinen) in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (CMAT), is now looking for:
Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in thin films for electrocatalysis
Are you passionate about materials, sustainability, and understanding how things work (or do not)? Are you interested in synthesizing thin film materials, characterizing their structure and electrochemical performance, and using this knowledge to engineer application-relevant devices?
We are seeking for a curious, self-driven doctoral researcher to develop active, durable, and cost-efficient thin film electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant elements for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) aimed at anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers. Thin film catalysts can bridge fundamental insights obtained from flat model catalysts with advanced nanostructured electrodes engineered for real-world electrolyzers. This project combines deep dives into surface chemistry with engineering to produce a tangible impact.
Your role and goals
As a doctoral researcher, you will deposit thin film catalysts using primarily atomic layer deposition (ALD) and characterize them physicochemically and electrochemically to understand their performance and structure as well as changes in both. Your main tasks include:
Deposition of promising HER and OER electrocatalyst materials by ALD using established chemistries where available and development of new processes when needed
Characterization of the deposited films in terms of composition, crystallinity, morphology… using a range of spectroscopic, microscopic, X-ray etc. techniques
Electrochemical testing under HER and OER conditions and development of test protocols
Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and conference presentations
Depending on your interests, you may also dive deeper into the structure of the electrocatalysts during operation (operando) or perform laboratory-scale electrolyzer testing, for example.
You have the opportunity to become an expert in both thin films and electrochemistry - fields that are key to numerous crucial technologies and sustainability. Depending on the task at hand, you will work independently, as a part of a research team and with collaborators to accomplish the goals of the project. The project offers opportunities for international conferences and research mobility.
Your network and team
The CMAT Department offers a multi-disciplinary working environment, focused on micro-, nano-, and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials. You will work in the Academy Research Fellowship project ”Thin film precatalysts for water electrolysis (ThinCat)” of Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen, who will be your doctoral supervisor. You will be a member of prof. Mattinen’s recently founded Atomic Scale Processing group, working with a postdoctoral researcher to be recruited for the ThinCat project and researchers to be recruited for European Research Council’s Starting Grant project that uses ALD to engineer enhanced PEM electrolyzers as well as other future team members.
The research is closely linked to strong activities in the department on ALD (Prof. Maarit Karppinen and Prof. Ville Miikkulainen) and electrochemistry (Prof. Tanja Kallio, Prof. Daniel Martin-Yerga, and Prof. Pekka Peljo). The department also has strong research activities in simulation and computation as well functional materials and synthesis. In addition to other groups in the department, you will also work with international collaborators.
Your experience and ambitions
The successful candidate is expected to have:
A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, (Materials) Physics, or a related field
Experience in experimental laboratory research
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
Strong academic writing and verbal communication skills in English
Hands-on expertise in one or more of the following skills is considered advantageous: atomic layer deposition, other thin film deposition techniques, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry, thin film characterization techniques.
Applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering. Doctoral studies at Aalto University take approximately four years.
What we offer
You will be working in a field that aligns with the excellent infrastructure and strong research activities of the School of Chemical Engineering in Aalto University in ALD, electrochemistry, and beyond. Your topic relates to the purpose of Aalto University as a whole, which is to shape a sustainable future by combining expertise in science, art, technology and business to develop creative solutions to the world’s major challenges, such as the climate crisis.
In this position, you will grow a unique core expertise combining thin film deposition and electrocatalysis. With this, you will be able to develop you own ideas and scientific independence while working as a member of an inclusive, curious and ambitious team of researchers. Aalto offers a vast array of professional development opportunities to grow and learn based on your interests and needs.
We offer a fixed term contract initially for 2 years. During the first 6 months you must apply and receive a right to study in the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering. After a successful evaluation by the end of the first 2 year contract, the contract can be extended. Extension contract is typically based on the progress evaluation, revised project plan and available funding.
The starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is 3142,65 €/month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits.
The preferred starting date is October-December 2026 with exact date to be agreed with the selected candidate.
We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. 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 submit your application including your CV and motivation letter through our recruitment site (click "Apply now!”) latest at 23.59pm (EET) 11th October 2026.
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). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions
Note that only submissions through the online recruitment system are accepted. Applications sent via email or other means will not be considered.
For more information about the role, please contact Assistant Professor Miika Mattinen ([email protected]). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Eeva Käki ([email protected]).
We will review the applications continuously, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.
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