The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is looking for a research scientist in postdoctoral phase with strong knowledge of scientific machine learning (SciML), reactive transport modeling, or coupled subsurface process to work on a project within the Water and Mining Environment Solutions unit. Your office is in Espoo and you can also work remotely flexibly in Finland. Project offers the possibility for research visits abroad.

The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland (RCF) until the end of year 2028. Your assignment will be to work at the interface of process-based reactive transport modeling and advanced machine learning, with the goal of developing efficient and reliable surrogate models for highly nonlinear PDEs describing coupled groundwater contaminant transport dynamics and its mitigation in subsurface systems. You are expected to integrate suitable SciML methodologies with these groundwater transport models, and to contribute to the development, implementation, and validation of flexible hybrid modeling frameworks. This will involve working with neural operators and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), as well as exploring and developing new SciML methodologies.

The project provides an opportunity to work on frontier research at the interface between AI, physics, and geoscience, with strong international visibility and collaboration opportunities. The work includes close collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and interaction with a doctoral researcher working within the same project. Furthermore, the project is supported by an active international collaboration network within several universities and offers extended scientific exchange with leading research groups abroad. You are expected to publish the project results in high-quality journals, and participate in scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars to present the outcomes of this project.

In the Water and Mining Environment Solutions unit, you are part of a group of around 50 experts working on groundwater research, hydrogeochemistry, groundwater flow and reactive transport modeling, mining environmental issues and water management. The position is located in a group focusing on mining environments and side streams. Our group is multi-locational and multinational work community and consists of 17 members.

Education, experience and skills expected of the applicant

• PhD in applied mathematics, computational science, computer science, hydrogeology, or in other relevant fields of science or engineering (Completed PhD is required before the start of employment*)
• Background in scientific machine learning, neural operators, or physics-informed learning
• Good publication record
• Solid experience with deep learning libraries
• Experience in PDE-based modeling, scientific computing or numerical methods
• Fluent oral and written skills in English
• Willingness to travel in Finland and abroad e.g. conferences, research visits for a couple of days or a week at a time or even extended scientific exchange for several weeks

Education, experience and skills that are appreciated

• Experience in reactive transport modeling
• Experience in inverse problems, data assimilations, or uncertainty-aware modeling
• Knowledge in numerical methods related to environmental or subsurface modeling
• Interest in interpretable or physically constrained machine learning

* The candidates who have defended and are waiting for the PhD diploma as well as the candidates who have not yet formally defended their PhD but are expected to do so before the starting date are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Personal qualities desired from the applicant
You are initiative, research-driven and act independently in your work. You are motivated to contribute high-impact and method-oriented research. You can seize opportunities quickly, want to learn new things, and know how to prioritise tasks. Working in a team comes naturally for you. You have good cooperation and networking skills.

GTK is an international and diverse work community where everyone’s input is valued. Our employees have the opportunity to influence their own work and work remotely in Finland. At GTK we are committed to renew our operations and expertise. We take care of our employees’ well-being with our wide range of activities that support wellbeing at work. In addition, we offer central government holiday benefits and a modern and multi-location work, such as flexible working hours. Find out more about us: www.gtk.fi/en/careers-at-gtk/

For further information, please contact your future scientific instructor and the project PI, Research Scientist (PhD) Hanli Qiao (tel. +358 50 348 6190, email: hanli.qiao@gtk.fi), reachable on Monday to Friday between 12-16 (EET) or your future supervisor, Team Manager Anna Tornivaara (tel. +358 50 347 1158, email: anna.tornivaara@gtk.fi), reachable on Thursdays between 12-14 and Fridays between 9-11 (EET).

The Registry of the Geological Survey of Finland

Vuorimiehentie 5, P.O. Box 96
FI-02151 Espoo

At GTK, we aim to work for the Earth and for Us. We conduct objective research to find solutions to challenges posed by climate change, the energy transition, and the circular economy. Our 400 experts are specialists in the mineral economy, green energy, water management, the environment, and digital solutions. Together with our Finnish and global partners, we are building
sustainable and carbon-neutral future. GTK is a research organization governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. www.gtk.fi/en/

• More information: The position is fixed term. The starting date is 1.5.2026 or by agreement. The term ends on 31.12.2028. The position includes a probationary period. It is possible for GTK to terminate the employment contract before the end of the period if the project funding is transferred elsewhere or ends due to possible personnel changes (project funding is bound to the Principal Investigator of the project).
  
  We consciously advance the diversity and equality of our staff, so we encourage many kinds of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Our work community is made up of more than 20 different nationalities, which is one example of our diversity.
  
  Please send your application with your motivation letter and CV in English through the valtiolle.fi-service latest on 25.2.2026 at 16:15 (EET), using service key 19151.
  
  The interviews are scheduled to take place in early March.
  
  We may conduct a personal background check on the person selected for the job with the person’s consent (security clearance act 726/2014). For more information about the security clearance process and the rights of subjects of background checks, please visit www.supo.fi/en
  
  Please note that names of the applicants and the applications with attachments are public.
  
  
  
  
• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
• Description of the remote work: You can also work remotely flexibly in Finland.
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Remuneration information: The salary is determined by the competence of the person selected for the position.