Postdoctoral researcher, phenomenology of dark matter

The particle cosmology group at the University of Helsinki has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher. The candidate should have a research interest and background in the theory and phenomenology of dark matter. Expertise in one of the following themes investigated in our group is advantageous:

• Dark matter production in the early universe. Phase space distribution of the dark matter particle, numerical solutions to the Boltzmann equations describing the evolution of the DM phase space distribution.
• Direct detection of light dark matter. Theoretical description of ionization and/or phonon signal creation due to DM recoils in cryogenic detectors. Migdal effect. Non-relativistic effective theory description of DM-nucleus scattering. Coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering.
• Phenomenology of axions and axion like particles. Superradiant production of axions. Axion-photon conversion.

The candidate is expected to contribute to the research in one or more of the above listed directions, to supervise undergraduate and graduate students and to participate in teaching at the department of physics, University of Helsinki. The planned starting date for the position is September-October 2026, but there is some flexibility in this regard. The candidate should hold a PhD degree by the start date.

The position is for two years with a possible extension for a third year. The salary is according to the university pay scale, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

To apply for this position, send a CV, a list of publications and a short (1-2 pages) statement of your research interests in pdf format to Matti Heikinheimo matti.heikinheimo. Letters of recommendation (from one or two referees) should be sent to the same email address. The Final date to receive applications and reference letters is February 28th.