Doctoral Researcher (Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers)

The Smart Photonic Materials (SPM) research group is seeking a doctoral researcher for PhD studies on liquid crystal elastomers within the framework of the ERC Consolidator Grant project (MULTIMODAL). The SPM group focuses on the development of functional and responsive soft materials and their applications in photonics, biosciences, and soft robotics. The group is part of the Chemistry & Advanced Materials (CAM) research cluster, the PREIN Flagship on Photonics Research and Innovation, and the LIBER Centre of Excellence, offering a vivid and international research environment.

Job description

The doctoral researcher will work within the MULTIMODAL team, which aims to develop life-inspired, adaptive material systems that integrate multiple sensory inputs with controlled motor responses, inspired by biological sensory–motor integration. The research combines multimodal sensing, actuation, adaptation, and self-repair within soft material systems and is highly interdisciplinary, positioned at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and soft robotics.

The PhD work will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of supramolecular, halogen-bonded liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Recent work from the group demonstrates the potential of these systems for dynamic and reconfigurable soft materials (e.g. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023; Adv. Mater. 2025). A central goal of the PhD project is to explore and expand the application potential of these materials by tailoring their molecular architecture, dynamic bonding motifs, and macroscopic properties for different functional purposes, such as actuation performance, reprogrammability, self-repair, and mechanical adaptability. While the overall research direction is guided by the project objectives, both the scientific focus and specific responsibilities can be tailored to align with the candidate’s skills, experience, and research interests. The doctoral researcher will collaborate closely within a multidisciplinary team, publish results in leading peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at international conferences. The position also includes a possibility for international research mobility to the laboratories of our collaboration partners.

Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification:
A master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field by the start of employment. Prior knowledge of soft responsive matter or supramolecular chemistry is considered an advantage.

Technical Proficiency:
Background in experimental materials research. Experience in polymer synthesis and/or characterization, as well as with liquid crystals, soft actuators, or dynamic supramolecular systems, is considered beneficial.

Language Skills:
Good proficiency in written and spoken English is required for scientific communication and publishing. Knowledge of Finnish is not required.

Working Style:
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, international research team. Motivation for doctoral studies and a proactive research attitude are expected.

Please note that, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral program at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/programs/doctoral-programs for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, forward-thinking, and evolving community. Our values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centeredness, courage, erudition, and responsibility. We hope you can embrace these values and promote them in your role.

Weoffer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (2 + 2) years, the planned starting date is March 2026 or as mutually agreed by both parties. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2700 EUR/month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society.

Read more about Finland and Tampere:

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• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
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Howtoapply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below).

The closing date for applications is 16 February 2026 (at 23:59 EEST / UTC +2).

Please write your application and all accompanying documentation (listed below) in English and combine them into a single PDF file named “LastnameFirstname.pdf”. Please note that other file formats will not be accepted.

A cover letter (maximum length 2 pages) explaining your background, motivation for pursuing a research career, rationale for applying for the position, and reasons you are particularly suited for this role.

Curriculum vitae, including:

• Personal details and the date of the CV.
• Degrees (including all degrees you have, along with their dates (month/year)).
• Other education and expertise.
• Language skills.
• Previous work experience.
• Research output (list of publications, patents, etc.), if any.
• Other key academic and non-academic merits.
• The contact details of up to two referees. References will not be contacted during the initial review process.

Degree certificates and supplements:

Bachelor’s and master's degrees and any other relevant diplomas in their original language. Provide an official translation if the original language is not English.

Transcripts of records for bachelor’s, master’s, and other completed programs in their original language. Provide an official translation if the original language is not English.

A certificate of English language proficiency or other means to prove your English language skills.

Other relevant documents that support your application (optional).

Please follow the above instructions carefully. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be accepted for evaluation.

For more information, please contact:

Professor Arri Priimägi, arri.priimagi(at)tuni.fi

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences | Chemistry & Advanced Materials

https://www.smartphotonicmaterials.fi

Application period starts: 2026-01-15 15:00. Application period ends: 2026-02-16 23:59