Doctoral Researcher in Building Acoustics

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 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.

The School of Engineering drives science and innovation in industrial and built environment technologies. We are committed to educating a new generation of experts who combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of sustainable development in shaping societies. Our research focuses on sustainable built environment, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technology, and design and implementation of technical systems. The strength of our school lies in close collaboration with stakeholders across research and education. About 45 doctoral candidates and 350 master’s students graduate from the school every year. The school is home to 700 staff members, including 70 professors. To learn more, please visit eng.aalto.fi.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in Building Acoustics with a strong interest in historical construction and twentieth-century architecture in Finland

We are looking for a Doctoral Researcher to join a new multidisciplinary research group in Structural and Architectural Engineering at Aalto University’s Civil Engineering Department. In this position you will have a chance to make an impact by working on the historical construction materials and sound insulation of Finnish buildings from different decades of the twentieth century, and examining how they can be renovated and improved. Join us in shaping the future!

This position combines both practical acoustics measurements with simulations and finite-element modelling, and will allow a candidate to gain experience across the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction.

Your role and goals

• Conduct archival studies to gather documents and materials on existing buildings, structures, and construction materials

• Plan and conduct acoustic and sound insulation measurements according to international standards

• Adapt existing finite-element models to estimate the sound insulation performance of renovated buildings

The doctoral degree is granted after successfully completing a set of advanced taught courses (30 ECTS), writing a doctoral thesis (usually based on publications), and defending the thesis in a public examination. During the duration of the doctoral studies, the researcher will be expected to present publish in leading academic journals and high-level scientific conferences, actively participate in the research group activities, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, engage in teaching-related duties, and help to advise master’s students during the preparation of their final project.

The research will heavily involve acoustic measurements and field surveys. The researcher is also expected to carry out collaborative work with external stakeholders such as industry partners, depending on the project needs. Therefore, the work will also require ongoing stakeholder engagement and communication. The primary workplace is Aalto University’s Otaniemi Campus, with an in-person presence on the campus, due to the need for specialised software for processing measurement data and subsequent modelling tasks.

Your network and team

The Doctoral Researcher will be a part of the new Structural and Architectural Engineering Research Group in the Department of Civil Engineering, and collaborate with practicing architects and engineers, building owners, and officials from various cities in Finland. The academic supervisor will be Prof. Patrick Fleming.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with experience in acoustic testing and modelling, with skills and a clear interest in historical construction, structures, and architecture.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree with very good grades in sound and vibration, noise control engineering, architectural acoustics, or a closely related field.

Excellent written and fluent verbal communication skills in English are essential. Finnish proficiency is considered as an advantage.

The successful applicant should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment and be willing to engage with both methodological and applied research questions. Strong interpersonal skills are also essential.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team is necessary.

Previous knowledge and experience in the following will be considered an added advantage:

• Research writing and publications

• Finite-element modelling for acoustics and noise insulation applications

• Programming skills and experience with tools such as MATLAB or Python

• Adobe Creative Suite Software (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)

• Rhino 3D modelling and Grasshopper scripting

Applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering as specified Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering | Aalto University. Do note that the applicants are not expected to apply to the Aalto Doctoral Programme at this point – only the successful candidate will do this at the next application window.

What we offer
You will join a research group that values an inclusive and supportive work culture, and encourages curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. The position offers great possibilities for competence development and learning across the fields of architecture and engineering, with relevant work for both an academic or practice-based career.

Within Aalto’s broader community of students, researchers and other professionals, you will receive support to build your career and to reach your professional goals. Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs.

The preferred staring date for this position is in the Spring or Summer of 2026. The initial contract period is 2 years, evaluated by a compulsory midterm review during the second year. The salary range, terms, and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary is approximately 2960 €/month (gross), and increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in their research and studies.

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, 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 share your application with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) at the latest by 31st March 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately.

Please include the following attachments:

• Motivation letter with the applicant’s contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)

• CV including details of all academic outputs and publications (if available)

• Contact information for two referees (with email addresses) who may be contacted to obtain a recommendation (max 2 pages)

• Summary of the applicant’s master’s dissertation (max 1 page)

• Summary of a specific structure or building that the applicant finds meaningful or insightful (max 1 page)

• Copy of the applicant’s master’s degree certificate and transcript of studies (with a clear explanation of the grading scale). Students in the final year of their Master’s programme are welcome to apply, but the expected graduation date must be clearly stated in the application. Candidates must have completed the master’s degree before the PhD contract begins.

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

For more information about the role or application process, please contact Prof. Patrick Fleming (patrick.fleming@aalto.fi). On questions related to the recruitment system, please contact hr-eng@aalto.fi.

We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. You will hear from us the latest in the last week of April, 2026. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

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