Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by sparking the game changers of tomorrow and by creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13,000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other staff members working on our vibrant campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. We actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
About the Job:
The Indoor Air Quality Research Team at Aalto University is looking for a Master’s thesis worker for the topic described below. The work is part of the SustainSpace Project, a research initiative funded by Business Finland and Aalto University, in collaboration with industrial partners. The project focuses on improving the understanding of cleanroom environments and their operational impacts on energy use, air quality, and contamination control.
This position is well-suited for students interested in indoor air quality, building technology, or cleanroom engineering, and may provide opportunities for scientific publication and further research.
Description:
Cleanrooms are highly controlled environments used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturing, and photonics. These facilities rely on sophisticated ventilation systems and strict operational procedures to maintain extremely low particle concentrations. However, the processes carried out inside cleanrooms, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor processing, and optical component production, generate particles and heat loads that affect air quality and ventilation performance.
The aim of this MSc thesis is to conduct a comprehensive literature review on cleanroom processes and particle emissions across several industries. The research will investigate how different manufacturing activities contribute to particle generation, thermal loads, and emission sources in cleanroom environments.
The thesis will examine processes in industries including pharmaceutical production (e.g., aseptic filling, tablet manufacturing, and biological processes), semiconductor fabrication (such as lithography, etching, implantation, and wafer cleaning), and optics and photonics manufacturing. These activities are carried out in cleanrooms with different classifications, including GMP Grade B and D rooms as well as ISO 5–7 cleanrooms used in semiconductor and electronics production.
The research will analyze existing studies to compile typical ranges of particle loads, heat loads, and emission sources for various cleanroom operations. The project will also explore the relationship between process emissions and ventilation requirements, as well as differences between laminar and mixed air distribution systems used in cleanroom ventilation.
A key goal of the work is to support the development of calculation methods and modeling approaches for estimating particle emissions and ventilation needs in cleanroom environments. The results will help identify uncertainties in existing data and provide recommendations for laboratory modeling and future research.
Expected Outcomes:
The expected outputs of the thesis include:
Only master’s students at Aalto University can apply.
We especially welcome students from programmes related to:
The ideal candidate should:
Schedule
The thesis can begin as soon as possible.
Funding is available for 3–4 months of full-time work, although the thesis may extend to 6–8 months if conducted part-time.
What We Offer:
The thesis will be conducted within the Indoor Air Quality Research Team at Aalto University, under the supervision of Professor Heidi Salonen, with guidance and advice from Dr. Raimo Mikkola and Researcher Ati Shirazi.
The student will receive:
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your application through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) at the latest by 31 March 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Please include the following attachments in one single PDF document:
Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.
For more information regarding the open position, please contact Researcher Ati Shirazi, ati.shirazi@aalto.fi. For recruitment-related general questions, please contact HR Partner, merja.parkkisenniemi@aalto.fi
The School of Engineering drives science and innovation in industrial and built environment technologies. We are committed to educating a new generation of experts who combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of sustainable development in shaping societies. Our research focuses on sustainable built environment, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technology, and design and implementation of technical systems. The strength of our school lies in close collaboration with stakeholders across research and education. About 45 doctoral candidates and 350 master’s students graduate from the school every year. The school is home to 700 staff members, including 70 professors. To learn more, please visit eng.aalto.fi.
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