Postdoctoral researcher to join us in “Hydrogen Future as Climate Change Solution (H2FUTURE)” programme at the University of Oulu (Finland). - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the “Hydrogen Future as Climate Change Solution (H2FUTURE)” programme at the University of Oulu (Finland).

About the profilation

HYDROGEN FUTURE AS A CLIMATE SOLUTION (H2FUTURE) combines the University of Oulu’s research strengths in future H2 production, sustainable metals reduction processes, and hydrogen-resistant steel development to a unique, holistic, multidisciplinary research community with the ambition in enabling green and sustainable hydrogen transition. H2FUTURE is leveraging research excellence in future energy formation and its applications to mitigate the energy and environmental crisis.

H2FUTURE stands on fundamental research on physics, chemistry, process metallurgy, physical metallurgy and mechanical engineering related to H2FUTURE thematics. Thematics cover but are not limited to energy-efficient and climate-neutral hydrogen production, fossil-free metals production, and the development of steels for hydrogen transition. 

H2FUTURE forms a part of our national profiling actions supported by the Academy of Finland and actively interacts with other profile areas of InStream, Genome of Steel, and HiDyn within the University of Oulu’s research focuses. By recruiting talented researchers from natural sciences and engineering, H2FUTURE is accumulating knowledge to bolster scientific profiles and moreover creating new research expertise to develop the profile at the University of Oulu.

About the faculty and the research group

The position is in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit (MME) of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Oulu. The Faculty of Technology has a total of 35 Professors, who are located in Oulu School of Architecture, Oulu Mining School, and in the following research units: Sustainable Chemistry, Chemical Process Engineering, Fibre and Particle Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Engineering, Process Metallurgy, Structures and Construction Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Environmental and Chemical Engineering and Intelligent Machines and Systems.

MME is a key part of the Centre for Advanced Steels Research (CASR) and is in the centre of the University of Oulu profiling area “Hydrogen future and Sustainable steel”. In the research unit, there are six professors and three emeritus professors focusing on the production, properties, applications of steel and steel products as well as the design and modelling of machines. There are also twelve teachers to help fulfill the undergraduate teaching requirements.

About the position

We are now looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a research project on advanced steels for hydrogen society (4 years fully funded by H2FUTURE). Future steel design needs to focus on developing/modifying compositions and processing routes to generate steels for demanding conditions, especially in the presence of hydrogen. To facilitate this, the interactions and mechanical behavior with hydrogen in the current state-of-the-art advanced high-strength steels must be understood.

The research is expected to focus towards a fundamental understanding of hydrogen embrittlement in advanced ultrahigh-strength steels, and/or testing and characterization of hydrogen-steel interactions. More specifically, various modes of deformation mechanisms, e.g., transformation-induced plasticity introduced through novel composition design and microstructural modification, are of special interest. The focus can be with a bias on the experimental or modelling aspects.

Chosen candidate, as a postdoctoral researcher focused on advanced high-strength steel development, will undertake cutting-edge research aimed at designing steel alloys with improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Leveraging your expertise in alloy design techniques such as CALPHAD and thermodynamic modeling, as well as proficiency in physical metallurgy theories, you will explore novel approaches to address the challenges of hydrogen-induced embrittlement in high-strength steels.

Different modelling (phase field modelling/artificial intelligence and machine learning approach) and experimental techniques could be utilized to get to relate microstructural properties to diffusion and trapping of hydrogen, see how it affects the deformation and damage process and the resulting mechanical performance, and combine these to join in the development of novel hydrogen-resistant high-strength steels.

Responsibilities

• Leading/Conducting original research to develop innovative steel compositions and processing methods aimed at enhancing resistance to hydrogen embrittlement.
• Supervising PhD and master's students, providing guidance and support in their research activities.
• Utilizing CALPHAD and thermodynamic modeling tools to predict phase equilibria and optimize alloy compositions for improved performance.
• Developing/Applying different modeling techniques to simulate microstructural evolution and predict the effect of processing parameters on material properties.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers to design and execute experimental studies to validate modeling predictions.
• Designing the experiment as well as analyzing experimental data to gain insights into the mechanisms governing hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
• Presenting research findings at conferences, publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within the scientific community.
• Working closely with industry partners to ensure the relevance and applicability of research outcomes to real-world engineering challenges.

Requirements for the position

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field that was awarded not more than ten years ago.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest
• Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Motivated and self-driven with a passion for scientific research and innovation.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

The candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, suitability for the research topics, and potential as researchers. The following merits are seen as a strong advantage:

• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds
• Strong background in steel design, physical metallurgy of steel, and materials characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in alloy design techniques such as CALPHAD and thermodynamic modeling approach.
• Experience with phase field modeling and simulation software.
• Knowledge of AI-based and machine learning-based research-orientated activities.
• Knowledge of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms and mitigation strategies.

What we offer?

• We offer a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars, excellent research infrastructures and the possibility to make use of funding opportunities to generate new research ideas.
• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems
• University´s wide variety of support services is at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus each summer
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. 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.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 1.8.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 21.4.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
2. Cover letter
   A cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests and career plans should be described here.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
4. Certificates/Diplomas
   Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English. In case the degree is still in process, please give an official notification from the supervisor or faculty to address the estimated date of defense.
5. Research Plan
   A research plan, approx. 3 pages, on the topic area of this call, in English, detailing:
   - Basis from existing research that applicant links to this research work
   - Interesting focus areas in the research from the applicant point of view

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, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions regarding the H2FUTURE project, please contact the coordinator of H2FUTURE:

Filipp Temerov, filipp.temerov@oulu.fi, tel.+358 50 569 7739

If you have any further questions about the materials and mechanical engineering unit, do not hesitate to get in touch with Vahid Javaheri, vahid.javaheri@oulu.fi, tel. +358 50 501 1881