PhD Position in the ALICE Experiment

The Finnish team in the ALICE experiment is seeking a new PhD student. Our group is part of the Center of Excellence in Quark Matter (CoE), recognized by the Finnish Research Council. The CoE consists of approximately 35 researchers across three theoretical and two experimental teams, forming an international community with members from over 15 different countries. By combining experimental and theoretical research, the CoE provides an excellent environment to acquire knowledge in QCD and relativistic heavy-ion physics, including a broad range of courses in high-energy physics and cosmology.

In your PhD thesis project, you will study jet physics using recent data from the LHC Run 3 and contribute to the development of the future forward calorimeter (FoCal) upgrade for ALICE.

Requirements: we are looking for a candidate who has:

• A Master of Science (or equivalent) degree in a relevant field, such as nuclear or particle physics or cosmology. The degree must be fully completed by June 2025;
• A keen interest in data analysis and detector performance studies;
• Interest in programming and experience with at least one object-oriented language.

We appreciate prior experience with:

• C++, ROOT, and/or Geant;
• Instrumentation, electronics, and measurements with particle beams;
• Courses in particle physics.

Application Requirements: candidates should submit the following documents:

• A complete transcript of studies, including grades;
• A scanned copy of the thesis diploma. If the degree is not yet completed, a signed statement from the supervisor confirming the current status of studies;
• A CV;
• A compact portfolio (maximum 3 pages) describing relevant skills for the position, with justifications when possible. For example links to publicly available code you have produced are encouraged;
• A motivation letter (approximately 1 page) outlining your expectations for PhD education;
• At least two recommendation letters.

Please submit your application by 31st March 2025. Interviews will take place in early April. Application and all attachments should be sent via email to

Dr. Sami Räsänen, email: sami.s.rasanen@jyu.fi.

Position Details:

The PhD position will start on 1st September 2025. Before final acceptance, the selected candidate will be checked for the eligibility criteria of the doctoral school at the University of Jyväskylä.

The starting salary will be approximately 2,440 EUR per month, subject to taxation. After taxes and mandatory pension and healthcare fees, the net salary is expected to exceed 1,950 EUR per month. The University of Jyväskylä offers excellent occupational healthcare benefits in addition to broad public healthcare services.

Please find information about the University of Jyväskylä , the Department of Physics , and the city of Jyväskylä behind the links. Located in Central Finland, Jyväskylä offers a peaceful environment with beautiful nature and various outdoor activity opportunities.