Postdoctoral Researcher for Membrane Synthesis in Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project “Hybrid Panel Reactor for Direct Production and Separation of Solar Hydrogen – HYDRO”

We are standing in front of a new era of developing and utilising clean energy sources to mitigate environmental, energy and geopolitical crisis. Among various source types, solar hydrogen outstands thanks to its production feasibility by harvesting solar irradiance, high volumetric energy density, and final harmless product after being burnt. However, solar hydrogen requires dedicated devices for its production. Thus, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher in hybrid membrane development for solar hydrogen production

to join us in the Nano and Molecular Systems Research unit (NANOMO) at the Faculty of Science and Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) at the Faculty of Technology.

The NANOMO research unit focuses on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The research topics include electronic structure research in nanomaterials, functional materials (e.g. steel, carbon negative materials, and nanocatalysts), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon Europe programs, ERDF funds, Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron radiation facility, participates in the operation of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.

The Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit provides new scientific knowledge for development and design of environmentally benign and sustainable materials, unit operations and production process. Core competence areas are catalysis, separation processes, modelling, and design of sustainable unit operations and processes, which are applied in variety of industrial and environmental sectors.  The main external funding sources are European programs, ERDF funds, the Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds.

About the job

The position is defined by the Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project ”Hybrid Panel Reactor for Direct Production and Separation of Solar Hydrogen - HYDRO”, which is dedicated to simultaneous photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and separation on hybrid panel reactors. The project is led by Prof. Wei Cao, Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen from NANOMO Unit, and Assoc. Prof. Satu Ojala, and Adj. Prof. Nora Jullok from ECE Unit.

The position will focus on hybrid membrane development for Solar Hydrogen Production. The synthesized separation membrane will function as a support of photocatalytic material to be applied in hydrogen production. The work will be implemented in an international and multidisciplinary research team dedicated both to hydrogen photocatalytic material development and hydrogen reactor realizations. The tasks of the candidate also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, assisting supervision of doctoral researchers in the project, and involving in teaching and application of research funding.

What we offer?

• You will be a part of a highly talented research team dedicated to solar hydrogen production.
• Modern research facilities, and support from your team and supervisors, so that you can excel in your research.
• 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 an 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, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• A doctoral degree in chemistry, materials physics, materials science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a related area. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago. 
• Demonstrated experience in polymeric membrane or thin film synthesis.  
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English and good communication skills. 
• Self-motivation and ability to work as a part of a team and independently. 

We also appreciate

• Prior experience in catalytic hydrogen evolution, including but not limited to photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and electrophotocatalysis etc. 
• Interest in teaching and supervision tasks. 
• Good interpersonal skills. 

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 46 months as of 01.03.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.01.2025 (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. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarising the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas: A 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 finishing. 
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to a 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 languages, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact:

• Professor Wei Cao 

FunMaters’ Group and Project Leader, NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

• Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen, vice head of NANOMO Unit

samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi

• Assoc. Prof. Satu Ojala

Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit

satu.ojala@oulu.fi

• Adj. Prof. Nora Jullok

Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit

nora.jullok@oulu.fi