University of Helsinki

The Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to take part in a 3-year Research Council of Finland-funded project. The project concerns the study of multiscale solute transport in nanoporous media under changing conditions. The post-doctoral position is for a period of 28 months.

Background of the project
Quantification and prediction of solute movement within nanoporous materials like clays and cements are crucial in many applications, including in the safe storage and disposal of radioactive waste, mining, energy systems, and environmental protection. Despite extensive studies in the last decades, research gaps remain, especially in understanding how temperature and water saturation affect solute/pollutant transport behavior through porous media. To solve this, the HiFi-MuTaNTS project, which is a consortium between the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), University of Helsinki, and CSC – IT Center for Science, proposes a model-based scientific investigation and will develop an advanced computer modeling framework. By simulating processes at various scales, from the atomistic to continuum, we aim to reveal how temperature and saturation fluctuations influence solute transport and chemical reactions in these materials. Our results will provide new scientific understanding and a quantitative modeling framework, that will significantly improve waste disposal strategies and sustainable resource management practices. The project also has synergy the ongoing EURATOM EURAD2 RAMPEC work package, and it is expected that some of the methods developed in HiFi-MuTaNTS can be used therein.

Tasks for the Post-doctoral Researcher Position

• Perform pore-scale reactive transport simulations and take part in the development and benchmarking of the developed code in collaboration with the national (GTK, CSC) and international project partners (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology).
• Perform ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations together with consortium partners (University of Bern, GTK).
• Take part in data curation, pre- & post-processing of datasets.
• Undertake in a limited number of laboratory experiments in co-operation with other team members.
• Take part in the benchmarking of continuum modeling code together with GTK.
• Take part in dissemination, outreach, and teaching activities.

Profile of the candidate

• PhD in relevant field (Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Fluid dynamics, Numerical Modeling, Scientific Computing, Applied Mathematics, Computational Chemistry).
• Experience in reactive transport modelling and strong background in reactive transport processes.
• Experience in radiochemistry and/or geochemistry
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The following will be considered as an advantage:

• Expertise in pore-scale reactive transport simulations.
• Experience in Lattice-Boltzmann (LB) codes and simulations.
• Experience in geochemical codes like PHREEQC, MIN3P, CrunchFlow, GEMS etc., and a background in surface complexation, chemical thermodynamics, and surface reaction processes.
• Experience in any kind of molecular dynamics simulations.
• Experience in any computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or reactive transport simulation codes (e.g., OpenFOAM, StarCCM+, PFlotran, TOUGHREACT, PHT3D etc.).
• Good programming skills in C/C++, Fortran, or Python.
• Knowledge and experience with HPCs.

The work will be mainly performed at University of Helsinki, but you will also work closely with colleagues from GTK, CSC, and our international partners. The salary will be based on the University of Helsinki salary system and will be determined on the basis of qualifications and the experience of the candidate.

How to apply
Please submit your application, which includes the following PDF-documents in English:
1. A curriculum vitae
2. A statement (max 1 page) outlining applicants research experience and interests
3. A numbered list of publications

External applicants, please submit your application to the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

The closing date for applications is 17 June 2025.

Further information

Further information about the positions and the research project may be obtained from Professor Gareth Law, gareth.law(at)helsinki.fi

For support with the recruitment system, please contact: hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi .