Laboratory Engineer for an Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy System

We are now looking for a

Laboratory Engineer for the newly acquired Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (AP-XPS) system.

The position is hosted by Centre for Materials Analysis at the University of Oulu. The position is focused on commissioning, operation, and user support of the AP-XPS system. The successful candidate is also expected to support the research activities carried out at Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit, as well as other collaborating research units at the University.

Centre for Material Analysis (CMA) offers research services related to the micro and nanotechnology and materials science. Versatile and modern research instruments and clean room facility create high-quality research environment for microelectronics, metallurgy, geology, physics and chemistry related studies. Researchers of the CMA assist customers by operating the instruments and with their expertise.

About the job

Your tasks include:

• Working as a main operator for AP-XPS, including the support for research groups and company customers
• Maintenance and development of the AP-XPS system (together and supported by the device manufacturer)
• User support and training in the AP-XPS operation, data analysis and interpretation
• Research utilizing AP-XPS under one some of the following research themes: photocatalytic hydrogen production, reduction of metal oxides using hydrogen, corrosion research, catalysis.
• User support and training of other related characterization equipment at Centre for Materials Analysis (e.g., our second UHV-XPS system)
• Supervision of students and doctoral researchers

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being and flexible multi-location and remote work opportunities, when not working with the instrument. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work-life balance: we don't count Saturdays as holiday periods!
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters! Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu!

Who are you?

We expect from you:

• Positive and helpful attitude for customer service
• Doctoral degree in physics, materials science, surface science or catalysis or equivalent science field
• At least three (3) years of active research experience following the completion of the doctoral thesis.
• At least three (3) years of experience in working with AP-XPS documented by peer reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in maintenance, operation, and development of AP-XPS setup
• Experience in user support and/or research collaboration utilizing AP-XPS.
• Experience in AP-XPS data analysis and interpretation documented by peer reviewed scientific publications.
• Good command of the English language
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

We also appreciate

• Experience in laboratory instrumentation (design, building, maintenance, and operation of research equipment)
• Experience in programming (e.g. tools for data acquisition and data analysis)
• Demonstrated experience in student supervision (BSc, MSc, PhD) and teaching.
• Experience in statistical data analysis and/or using AI based methods in data analysis.
• Experience in multinational and multidisciplinary research collaborations
• Experience in preparation of funding proposals and successful acquisition of competitive extramural research funding

Your work has an impact on the daily lives of students, researchers, teachers and other expert and support staff at the University of Oulu. The final job description will be shaped according to your skills and interests.

Salary

The position is permanent starting from September 2024 (or as agreed).

The salary will be based on the levels 9-10 of the demand level chart for other expert and support staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical starting gross salary is approx. 3500-4200 EUR per month (before taxes), depending on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 1.8.2024 through our recruitment system. Please attach a cover letter, CV and list of publications describing your experience related to the demands of the position. Please give also contact information of two references who can give a statement on your qualifications.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Samuli Urpelainen, Senior Research Fellow (samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi)

Janne Remes, Director of CMA (janne.remes@oulu.fi)

Please note that there may be a delay in responses due to summer holidays.