Tenure Track Associate Professor in Sustainable construction materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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Tenure Track Associate Professor Position in Sustainable construction materials, Faculty of Technology

Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit is a successful and world-leading research group in the field of utilization of industrial side streams and low-CO2 cements. The multicultural research group of industrial side streams consists of 50 people; 3 professors, 15 doctors and 24 doctoral researchers. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in attracting competitive funding including Horizon Europe and the Research Council of Finland programmes.

The field of the tenure track position is sustainable construction materials. The position concentrates on utilizing mining and urban mining residues and other industrial side streams, with a goal towards circularity in material flows, minimizing waste and depletion of natural resources.

Responsibilities and Required Qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to conduct high-level research in the field of sustainable construction materials, with the focus on alternative cementitious binders, fillers, and aggregates for concrete production. Research will concentrate on understanding the different treatment methods (mechanical, chemical, thermal, etc.) to enhance the properties of the industrial side streams, especially mineral residues such as mine tailings, incinerated ashes, and recycled concrete. Further, developing applications to use the treated side streams in construction materials. Responsibilities of this position include research management and funding acquisition, and to take active participation within the university of Oulu and in international scientific community to enhance collaboration. Furthermore, the duties include undergraduate/graduate level teaching and supervision of academic theses. Career assessment on the tenure track is based on the regular performance assessment that measure the candidate´s merits in all these areas.

What we expect

Our tenure track is positioned for exceptionally talented researchers with a high potential to advance in their careers. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score), in order to be recruited.

We expect you to have an applicable doctoral degree, preferably in civil engineering with specialization in construction materials, as well as evidence of scientific knowledge and experience required for the position. You must have the ability to lead a research group and we expect you to be familiar with the most relevant funding instruments, for example the European Union, Research Council of Finland, and Business Finland. We also appreciate candidates with experience in industrial R&D and strong collaboration with industries.  To succeed in the position, you are required to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation.

The position of Associate professor requires the ability to carry research independently, lead a research group and to acquire additional research funding. The selection criteria for an associate professor are the following:

• scientific activities in the academic and professional practice context and their reflection in the publication record, scientific presentations, artistic merits and other recognitions, e.g. awards and patents;
• teaching activities and their evaluation (teaching portfolio; including student’s evaluation);
• supervision of diploma and doctoral students;
• acquisition of competitive research funds;
• international scientific activities and contacts;
• services for the academic community;
• academic and societal relevance and potential of activities

Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website.

The position of an associate professor is initially a fixed-term position for five years. Being granted continuation for the position requires meeting the above-mentioned criteria as well as successful research work as indicated in the University of Oulu Tenure Track guidelines.

What we offer

• We offer you a fixed-term 5-year contract for an interesting and versatile position in the Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit and the possibility to develop yourself professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team.
• On the tenure track, you have a guaranteed opportunity to advance your career through external evaluation.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to Oulu.
• 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.

Salary

The salary will be based on levels 6–7 of the demand level chart for teaching and research 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). The starting EUR salary will be approximately €4000 - 5000 per month (before taxes). In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on Wednesday April 17th, 2024. Please include the following attachments in your application:

1. A letter of motivation with contact information
2. Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. A complete list of publications preferably with DOI identifications, with the ten most important ones marked, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
4. A brief account of research merits (max 1 page)
5. A brief account of teaching merits or a teaching portfolio (max 2 pages)
6. Details regarding the acquisition of research funds (max 2 pages)
7. A brief research and action plan (max 3 pages)
8. Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation.

Selection process

The applicants who succeed in the expert evaluation will be invited to an on-site or remote interview and to an on-line teaching demonstration. Applicants will get information on their own progress in the selection process.

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation.

Further information

The position is fixed-term for 5 years as of 1st of September, 2024. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position. Further details about the position can be requested from Professor Henrikki Liimatainen, henrikki.liimatainen@oulu.fi, +358505659711. Further information on the selection process can be asked from recruitment committee secretary Satu Pitkäaho, satu.pitkaaho@oulu.fi.