Assistant Professor, Photonics and Quantum technology

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 position is located in the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineeringat the School of Electrical Engineering. Our research spans photonics and nanotechnology, microwave engineering, electromagnetics, integrated circuit design, and space science and technology. We collaborate closely with leading national and international research institutes and industry partners.

Assistant Professor in Photonics and Quantum Technologies

We welcome applications from researchers working at the forefront of photonics, quantum technologies, or their applications, to lead research and education of photonics and quantum technologies at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering.

The successful candidate will establish a research direction that complements and strengthens existing expertise in the department, while actively collaborating with colleagues and leveraging the state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Micronova Center for Micro-, Nano- and Quantum Technology. The position offers an opportunity to build a visible research profile and research group within well-supported environments. In addition to developing an ambitious research agenda, the appointee will contribute to education in the field, including participation in Aalto’s international Quantum Technology BSc program.

We welcome research across the broad frontiers of photonics and quantum technologies. A wide range of topics is considered relevant for this position: the topics may include solid-state hybrid quantum devices, integrated quantum photonics, two-dimensional materials, quantum dots, nanophotonics, optical quantum computing, and other related emerging & disruptive photonics areas. Research that combines micro and nanofabrication of photonic devices and quantum systems to find novel fundamental phenomena as well as functionalities that can lead to practical applications in quantum, information, or other technologies is particularly encouraged.

The position is part of the Aalto tenure track system at the Assistant Professor level.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in quantum technology, physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong research experience in relevant areas.
• A publication record demonstrating international scientific impact.
• Clear potential to lead an independent research group, evidenced by early-career achievements, research vision, or emerging leadership experience.
• Motivation and ability to teach and supervise MSc and doctoral students.
• English is the working language of the university; proficiency sufficient for teaching and academic collaboration is required.

Scientific environment

The School of Electrical Engineering has three thematic infrastructures that form a significant core of the research infrastructure: Micro-electronics and Digital and Autonomous Systems (MIDAS), Electrical Power and Energy (EPE) and Human-centric Electrical Engineering (HUCE). You can read more about them here: Research infrastructure of the School of Electrical Engineering | Aalto University.

The appointed professor will be closely connected to the national OtaNano research infrastructure, including Micronova and the Nanomicroscopy Centre, as well as the department’s own facilities. Micronova is the largest research-dedicated cleanroom facility in the Nordic countries. Through national collaboration networks such as InstituteQ, the position offers strong integration into Finland’s quantum technology ecosystem. Collaboration with VTT also enables access to applied research projects.

What we offer

• Meaningful and inspiring environment. We are proud of our purpose to shape a sustainable future. We spark the game changers of tomorrow, and renew society with research-based knowledge, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Culture that inspires and includes everyone. All our work is guided by the values of the university: responsibility, courage, and collaboration. It’s the people that create Aalto, now and in the future. We want to be an open community where equality and inclusion enable curiosity, innovation, and wellbeing.
• Great possibilities for competence development and learning, as well as support, coaching and sparring when you feel you need it.
• Competitive salary (Assistant Professor level: 5300–6400 € per month, depending on qualifications and experience) with the possibility to attain research start-up funding.

The primary workplace is located at 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.

Finland is a safe living environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services including affordable day care, free schools, and universities, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Aalto University supports the learning of the local language (Finnish/Swedish) according to applicant’s own wishes. More information about living and working in Finland: For international staff | Aalto University.

Join us!
To apply, please submit your application through our recruitment system by 23:59 (Finnish time) on 12 April 2026.

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 visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

The following application materials should be submitted in English and in PDF-format:

• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae incl. ResearcherID or ORCID and names and contact information for references.
• List of publications with 5 most relevant publications regarding this position highlighted
• Research portfolio describing past research and plans for future research (max 5 pages)
• Teaching statement (2 pages, Guidelines for a candidate)

General instructions for applicants including evaluation criteria, language requirements and guidelines for compiling your documents are given at Interested in joining our tenure track? | Aalto University,

Recruitment process

Shortlisted candidates are asked to provide 3 recommendation letters using an Aalto template.

We will start the evaluation process after the application period has expired. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a site visit held in May 2026.

For additional information about the position, please contact the chair of the recruitment committee Professor Ilkka Tittonen ilkka.tittonen@aalto.fi or in questions related to the recruitment process, HR Partner Julia Majuri julia.majuri@aalto.fi.

We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

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.

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