Postdoctoral Researcher in Photomemristor Arrays for Optogenetic-Neuromorphic Interfaces

Aalto University, Department of Applied Physics, Nanomagnetism and Spintronics Group; Location: Espoo (Otaniemi campus), Finland; Application deadline: 15 October 2026

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.

About the project

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on active interfaces between biological neurons and neuromorphic electronic devices. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and carried out in collaboration with researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The project develops photomemristor arrays for neural imaging in bio-machine hybrid systems. At Aalto, our focus is the design and fabrication of photomemristor arrays that meet the demands of interfacing with biological systems, including strong photoresponsivity, a suitable wavelength response, and biocompatibility. You will investigate different material candidates and device structures, and integrate the most promising ones into a bio-hybrid system in which neuronal signals are processed in a closed loop.

The position is based in the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics group led by Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken. Our lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation for thin-film growth and electronic/optoelectronic characterization, and you will have full access to the OtaNano research infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art Micronova cleanroom for micro- and nanofabrication and the Nanomicroscopy Center.

What we are looking for

• A PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• A strong track record in materials science, electrical engineering, and/or nanofabrication
• Excellent written and spoken English, and a demonstrated ability to communicate research clearly (publications, talks, etc.)
• Motivation to conduct research at the highest international level and publish in high-impact venues

Finnish language skills are not required.

What we offer

• A 2-year postdoctoral contract, with a starting salary of 4229,48- 4649,25 € per month (gross), depending on experience
• Access to Aalto's occupational healthcare
• An annual working-time framework of 1,612 hours
• Support for professional development, including staff training and development programs
• A flexible, modern working culture that values work-life balance and wellbeing

Join us!

Please submit the following as a single PDF, in English, through our recruitment portal:

1. Letter of motivation
2. CV, including a list of publications
3. Degree certificates and academic transcripts
4. Contact details for at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if available)

Deadline: 15 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the deadline. Aalto University reserves the right, for justified reasons, to leave the position open, extend or reopen the application period, or consider candidates who apply outside the stated window.

For additional information, please contact Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi).

Aalto employees and visitors should apply via the internal Workday Jobs system using their existing account.

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