More information on summer work positions and application instructions will be published later.
Send your application at
Application period ends on 26.1.2026.
We are seeking summer research assistants to study topics related to dense Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) matter in the context of neutron-star physics. Possible subjects of investigation range from perturbative quantum field theory calculations to phenomenological applications on neutron stars, including but not limited to Equation-of-State inference.
The positions are best suited for BSc and MSc students who have successfully taken the Quantum Mechanics I-II, Statistical Physics, Quantum Statistics, and FYMM I-III courses, but more junior students can be considered as well in exceptional cases. The employment is expected to last three months between early May and early September, with the exact dates to be negotiated with the student. The positions are particularly well suited for working on BSc or MSc theses.
For further information, please contact Risto Paatelainen (
The project investigates up-scattered boosted dark matter (BDM) in the context of direct detection. In our previous work we have explored models in which different dark matter candidates (scalar, fermion, vector) can be up-scattered by cosmic rays and then detected in the COSINUS experiment. So far we have investigated dark matter interactions with nucleons and neutrinos. The goal of this summer trainee project is to extend this analysis to cover dark matter interactions with electrons. The project will involve the implementation of dark matter - electron scattering into an existing code within the University of Helsinki group. Depending on the initial progress, also implementation into the code framework used in COSINUS might be on the agenda.
The research assistant should be interested in beyond the standard model physics and possess at least basic knowledge in Python. Knowledge in tree-level Feynman diagram calculations would be advantageous. The work will be performed within the COSINUS collaboration and will be supervised by Matti Heikinheimo and Niklas Zimmermann. The schedule within the summer is flexible, and the duration of the contract can be between two to three months as agreed with the candidate. The project forms a suitable basis for a Master's thesis.
Required skills:
Basic programming with Python, basic understanding of quantum field theory and tree-level scattering calculations.
Contact:
Matti Heikinheimo and Niklas Zimmermann,
1. Data support trainee for AI/ML models in Space Physics
Summary: Join our team to help develop machine learning models for compressing 3D velocity distribution functions from the eVlasiator simulation. You will use Python to extract electron velocity distributions from eVlasiator simulation data. Skills: Strong Python programming, and familiarity with velocity distribution functions. Knowledge of neural networks is considered an asset.
2. Scientific data visualization trainee
Summary: Help us visualize massive volumetric datasets from the world's most accurate space simulation, Vlasiator. You will use VisIt and or Python scripts to identify and plot magnetic reconnection sites and plasma instabilities in the magnetotail. This is a chance to work closely with our science team to turn terabytes of raw data into scientific insight. Skills: Proficiency in Python (Matplotlib) and data visualization tools; knowledge of space plasma physics is a plus.
3. C++ Software engineer trainee
Summary: Contribute to the core development of Vlasiator by assisting with code refactoring, unit testing, and performance profiling. You will work with our code developers to modernize the C++ codebase and ensure the code runs efficiently on supercomputers. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and contribute to best practices in scientific software engineering. Skills: C++ skills, familiarity with Linux/Git environments, and an interest in High-Performance Computing (HPC).
4. Ionosphere-thermosphere data trainee
Summary: Support the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience by analysing data related to the coupling between the Earth's magnetosphere and the ionosphere-thermosphere system. This is the region where satellites burn! You will help validate model outputs against satellite observations to help understand atmospheric drag effects. You will work within a top-tier team building the next generation of space weather models. Skills: Skills in Python for data analysis are required; familiarity with atmospheric/ionosphere physics is beneficial, and willingness to work with C++ is a bonus.
5. Mercury simulation trainee
Summary: Help us uncover the physics of the most extreme solar storms recorded in history by modelling our inner solar system neighbour! Join the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Space Resilience team to investigate how the planet Mercury can be used as a scaled-down laboratory for extreme space weather at Earth. You will assist in running and analysing global Vlasiator simulations of Mercury's magnetosphere to understand how intense solar wind driving affects planetary environments and ionospheric coupling. Skills: Python programming for data analysis, basic knowledge of space/planetary physics, and familiarity with Linux environments.
Contact: Prof. Minna Palmroth (
When applying, please indicate which of the above position you apply for.
Some solar wind particles are reflected at the Earth’s bow shock and the interaction of backstreaming particles with the inflowing solar wind creates a dynamic region called the foreshock. When solar wind discontinuities enter this region, they can generate foreshock transients. These transients launch waves into the inner magnetosphere which may play an important role in energising particles in the radiation belts.
In this project, you will work with a catalogue of foreshock transients and analyse particle and field measurements from radiation belt satellites, such as NASA’s Van Allen Probes, to identify events showing signatures of electron acceleration. Your results will help clarify how significant foreshock transients are in influencing near-Earth plasma dynamics. The data analysis will be done using Python.
This project is suitable for either BSc or MSc thesis.
Contact: Milla Kalliokoski (
We are looking for summer trainees with an interest in theoretical astrophysics and/or theoretical physics. In addition to theoretical work, our projects include a significant computational aspect. We encourage students interested in theoretical astrophysics and computation to join the Theoretical Extragalactic astrophysics research group for a three-month period over the summer. This year, the projects on offer are related to the KETJU and SIBELIUS projects, which are funded by the Research Council of Finland and the European Research Council.
KETJU is a simulation code developed to model the dynamics of supermassive black holes in galaxy mergers. Using KETJU the large-scale structure of galaxies can be studied, while simultaneously resolving accurately, the small-scale dynamics close to the supermassive black holes. SIBELIUS employs novel constrained simulations to accurately reproduce the Local Universe and test models of cosmology and galaxy formation.
1) The dynamical formation of the first supermassive black holes
Supermassive black holes (SMBH) are found at the centres of all massive galaxies, and recent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed their presence with very high masses, already in the very early Universe. The origin and early growth of SMBHs is still not well understood. In this project the goal is to use KETJU numerical simulations to study the formation and dynamical evolution of seed black holes at very high redshifts (z>10), which will eventually evolve into the population of local SMBHs observed at the centres of massive galaxies. Good computing skills and knowledge of galaxy formation theory are advantageous for this project.
2) Gravitational wave kicks from merging supermassive black holes
In the final stages of the merger of a supermassive black hole (SMBH) binary, copious amounts of gravitational waves will be emitted. In addition, the merged SMBHs will receive a kick that depends on the orbital orientation, masses and spins of the individual SMBHs prior to the merger. Using the post-Newtonian formalism in KETJU, we can calcualte the gravitational wave energy spectrum as a function of frequency, as well as the amplitude and direction of this kick. In this project the aim is to study the dynamics of merged SMBHs in the centres of massive galaxies. Good computing skills and prior knowledge of general relativity and galactic dynamics are advantageous for this project.
3) Born this way? The origin of diversity in satellite galaxy populations
Galaxies like the Milky Way are surrounded by dozens of satellite galaxies. In the standard cosmological model, these satellite galaxies are some of the most dark-matter dominated objects in the universe and have been linked to several open questions in astrophysics and cosmology. Recent observations have revealed a surprising degree of diversity among the satellite populations surrounding different host galaxies, much greater than what cosmological simulations had previously predicted.
In this project, we will identify and analyze populations of satellite galaxies surrounding Milky-Way analogues in state-of-the-art numerical simulations. We will classify the satellites, and try to understand the origin of diverse satellite populations by analyzing both the environment in which they form, the properties and the evolution of their hosts, and their own formation history.
The project is particularly suitable for students with interests in astrophysics and cosmology, and in working with data. It requires skills in data analysis (Python or Julia etc.). It is also suitable for a Bachelor Thesis or Master Thesis.
When applying, please indicate your preference for the research topic. All research topics could also form the basis for either a Bachelor or a Master thesis in astrophysics, theoretical physics or a related field. Preference will be given to students, who are working on their Master thesis. For advanced students, there is also a possibility to continue with a PhD thesis project after the successful completion of the Master’s thesis.
For more information see:
Contact persons:
Prof. Peter Johansson, peter.johansson[at]helsinki.fi
Dr. Till Sawala, till.sawala[at]helsinki.fi
Plasma astrophysics is an emerging research field that seeks to understand the dynamics of astrophysical plasmas from first principles. The Computational Plasma Astrophysics research group at the University of Helsinki uses theoretical and computational methods to study the most extreme plasma environments around neutron stars and black holes. As part of our research, we also specialize in high-performance computing solutions and open-source simulation software. To conduct our numerical studies, we maintain our own computational "laboratory" with a dedicated, in-house, 2000-core HILE cluster. We utilize this cluster to develop Runko, our open-source plasma simulation framework. The research group is funded by the Centre of Excellence in Neutron-Star Physics, ERC Starting Grant project ILLUMINATOR, and an Academy Research Fellow grant.
We are looking for ambitious summer trainees interested in studying extreme plasma phenomena using analytical and computational methods. The projects are approximately three months long with flexible starting dates. Projects can form the basis for a BSc or MSc thesis. While not strictly required, prior plasma physics courses are helpful. Strong computational skills and previous experience with Python and/or C++ are also highly advantageous.
Available topics in plasma astrophysics include numerical and analytical studies of plasmas in neutron-star and black-hole magnetospheres, non-linear wave dynamics, and collisionless shock simulations. Contact: Assoc. Prof. Joonas Nättilä (
Available topics in high-energy astrophysics include radiative transfer in neutron-star atmospheres and comparison of the results to the latest X-ray observations. Such emission models are important for constraining the properties of ultra-dense matter inside neutron stars. Contact: Academy Research Fellow Tuomo Salmi (
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a gravitational wave mission led by the European Space Agency scheduled for launch in 2035. LISA will provide a unique window to the early Universe and to the particle physics processes which can produce gravitational waves. Members of the computational field theory research group are contributing to this mission by developing and prototyping the software needed to analyse future LISA data. This is part of the ongoing efforts of the Cosmology Data Centre Finland,
We are searching for a summer student interested in using computational methods to understand the early universe. This will involve testing some of the key software being developed for LISA. The student will become familiar with code development, containerising codes so they can be used on different platforms, and LISA software. Any previous experience in these areas would be beneficial, but not essential. The positions are for 3 months, with exact dates to be agreed upon. Position subject to funding being confirmed.
Contact person: Deanna Hooper [
The Computational Field Theory research group is searching for a summer trainee interested in particle physics and cosmology, and preferably also in computational methods. The position will be for 3 months, with exact dates to be agreed upon. This position will be offered subject to funding being available.
We are studying gravitational wave production in exotic particle physics processes in the very early Universe. The produced gravitational waves may be observable with the European Space Agency's LISA mission, scheduled for launch in the next decade. This yields a unique window to the early Universe and to the particle physics processes which can produce gravitational waves.
The summer trainee research projects are chosen according to the experience and preference of the trainees. The research projects can form the basis for either a Bachelor or a Master thesis.
Visualisations of past research, including some by previous summer trainees, can be seen at:
For more information:
Kari Rummukainen
David Weir
Or visit our website:
We are searching for summer trainees interested in the research that is done at the Detector Laboratory of Helsinki Institute of Physics and University of Helsinki. Our current activities include searches of magnetic monopoles and other exotic particles at the LHC through MoEDAL-MAPP experiment, characterization of various room-temperature semiconductors, development of environmental gamma-ray and cosmic spectral measurement setups. In addition, we study applications of quantum sensors in high energy physics experiments.
The planned tasks would focus on characterization of semiconductor materials in various radiation environments. The trainee would take part in irradiation campaigns, measure activation with various detectors and analyze the properties of the materials with electrical and optical methods. Ideal candidate would have some programming and data analysis skills, and some knowledge about radiation interactions with matter.
More information:
Matti Kalliokoski,
Send your application at
Application period ends on 26.1.2026.
The Materials physics simulation groups at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki have openings for 2-4 summer student positions in the field of multiscale computer modelling of radiation-matter interactions, surfaces, and mechanical properties. The modelling starts from the atomic, quantum mechanical level and continues from there all the way to the macroscopic continuum level. The main methods include classical molecular dynamics, density-functional theory, kinetic Monte Carlo, binary collision approximation, electrodynamics, and finite element modelling. We also actively use the machine-learning methods to address problems in Materials Physics. Often the methods are combined in comprehensive multiscale models to improve the predictive abilities of modelling. The problems at hand for efficient batteries, finding new solutions for quantum computing at room temperature, nanoscale materials with new exciting properties, materials for particle colliders of unprecedented power.
The work is to be done in the large group of more than 30 members, who are active in research (more than 40 international refereed publications annually), friendly and efficient in collaborative interactions and fun and supportive socially. The group carries out the research based on materials physics simulations under the supervision of Prof. Flyura Djurabekova, Docents Antti Kuronen and Fredric Granberg, University researchers and postdocs in the group.
These groups form the simulation part of the Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory (
We are looking for undergraduate students of both the BSc level (2nd year on with the focus on Physics studies) and of the MSc level with the interest in the fundamental Materials Physics using computational methods. The summer work can result in an exciting topic for the student’s BSc or MSc thesis. The students of the Department of Physics of the University of Helsinki are welcome to apply primarily. The interest in pursuing the studies toward the PhD is considered an advantage.
The applicants should have a good track record of efficient studies in physics. Experience in programming or atomistic simulations is considered a plus. If interested, apply via the Department of Physics summer student application system. Include a brief statement of research interests, a CV, and an excerpt from the study rolls.
Questions can be directed to Prof. Fluyra Djurabekova, flyura.djurabekova@helsinki.fi
There are several positron physics related openings in the Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory. The following review gives some idea of the kind of work done within the antimatter topical area: "
There are two general related themes for summer projects, "Defect-related phenomena in semiconductors and metals” and "Modeling of positron-defect interactions and positron annihilation in solids". The detailed topic and tasks will be tailored according to the background of a successful candidate.
Experimental projects may involve using positron-emitting 22Na isotopes either directly in contact with studied samples for substrate analysis or using magnetically guided slow positron accelerators for thin film studies. In the experimental work, also other facilities of the Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory (
For further information on possible project topics, please contact the following people:
Experimental positron and defect physics: Prof. Filip Tuomisto,
Theory and simulations in positron and materials physics: Dr. Ilja Makkonen,
Thin-film technology is pervasive in many applications, including microelectronics, optics, magnetics, hard and corrosion resistant coatings, micromechanics, etc. Progress in each of these areas depends upon the ability to selectively and controllably deposit thin films (thickness ranging from tens of angstroms to micrometers) with specified physical properties. This, in turn, requires control – often at the atomic level – of film microstructure and microchemistry. We offer projects in the broader are of physics of thin films with focus on understanding film growth dynamics, morphological evolution, microstructure and their correlation with film physical properties. The projects are experimental in nature and entail film growth using magnetron sputtering, in situ/real-time monitoring of film growth using optical methods, and ex situ analyses of film microstructure, composition, and properties.
For further information on possible project topics, please contact Prof. Kostas Sarakinos (
The Biological Physics group (about 25 members) at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki has openings for 2-3 new summer job positions (in addition to research assistants who are already working in our group).
The summer job projects will be based on computer simulations and theory associated with molecular biophysics. The main topics focus on unveiling how membrane protein receptors are modulated by lipids, signaling molecules and drugs, and how impaired cellular signaling is related to emergence of disorders such as cancer, neurological diseases such as major depression, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Summer workers (research assistants) explore related phenomena using computer simulations of such biological model systems, developing analysis tools, and analyzing data. The simulations combine a variety of approaches starting from quantum-mechanical calculations and extending to classical atomistic simulations and coarse-grained molecular-level considerations. All large-scale projects are linked to collaborations with top-class experimental groups in, e.g., medical sciences, cell biology, pharmacology, and structural biology.
The group is a member of the Center of Excellence in Biological Barrier Mechanics and Disease (Academy of Finland) for the period 2022-2029. The key results of the group are published in leading journals of the field (Science, Cell, Nature Methods, Nature Communications, etc.). The group's work is coupled to the life science research done in the Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and the group collaborates with > 30 experimental teams world-wide.
The choice of the summer job candidates will be primarily based on excellence/skills and motivation. Experience in programming and/or simulations (either on previous courses or in practical work) is considered an advantage.
Many of our summer workers carry on as part-time research assistants (with salary) after the summer period (Sept 2025 – May 2026), and continue to do their MSc and PhD degrees in our group. Applicants from all universities (Univ Helsinki, Aalto, Tampere, etc.) are welcome.
Those interested are requested to apply via the Department of Physics summer job application system. Include a brief statement of research interests and motivation, CV, and an excerpt from the study transcript. If this is not possible (e.g., applicants from other universities), please feel free to contact us directly (see below).
For further information, please check the web site of our group:
If you have any questions, please contact the director of the group, Prof. Ilpo Vattulainen,
There are few X-ray physics related openings at the X-ray Laboratory, the Center for X-ray Spectroscopy and the µCT laboratory. The possible topics cover different aspects from experiments to data analysis and modelling as well as instrumental developments. The detailed topic and tasks will be tailored according to the background of the successful candidate.
Experimental projects may involve using X-rays to study different kind of materials from biological samples to nuclear materials, using the X-ray based techniques available such as XRD, SAXS, WAXS, XAS, XES, and imaging.
Modelling projects involve application and/or development of atomistic density-functional or Monte Carlo simulation techniques for X-ray interactions in solids and data analysis/experiment simulations.
For further information on possible project topics, please contact René Bes (
Our research group (Computational Bioenergetics Group/Sharma Research) is located at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki (Kumpula campus). We study molecular mechanism and function of proteins involved in energy generation by using multi-scale computational approaches. We study their mechanistic aspects in great depth with extensive experimental collaborations in Finland and abroad. Our research is supported by Academy of Finland, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, University of Helsinki and Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation. Some of our recent research has been published in widely read journals.
See our latest publications at
Our group webpages at
We are looking for 1-2 talented and motivated students for summer jobs, who are willing to work on challenging problems in computational biochemistry and biophysics. The selected student will utilize Finnish and European high-performance supercomputers to solve life-science problems associated with the molecular mechanisms of proteins involved in energy generation. He or she will learn and apply latest technologies in classical molecular simulations, quantum chemistry, hybrid QM/MM and molecular dynamics (MD), ML methods applied to MD simulations, visualization and large-scale data analysis.
Candidates should have a good track record in studies, and a very basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology is expected. A prior general knowledge of Linux OS, and computational tools (such as plotting software, etc) would be an asset. Any experience in modelling and simulation techniques is considered a plus, though not required.
Interested students, please apply through Department of Physics summer job application system. Include a short statement on research interests, one-page CV, and a brief transcript of studies.
It is to emphasize that many summer trainees in our group have continued towards BSc/MSc thesis projects, all of which led to peer-reviewed publications in esteemed journals. Therefore, in our highly productive research group, we not only train younger scientists, but with excellent outcomes in terms of thesis and publications.
For more information, please contact Vivek Sharma,
Research fields of the
More information on summer work positions and application instructions can be found from
Read more about HIP summer job opportunities at
More information on summer work positions and application instructions will be published in January.
Inorganic materials chemistry research groups
You can apply if you have studied more than 30 credits of chemistry.
Your application should include at least:
THE APPLICATION PERIOD ENDS 31.1.2026 at 18:00.
Send your application as a pdf attachment to Miia at
More information:
More information on summer work positions and application instructions will be published later.