Postdoctoral Researcher for Advanced Characterization of Materials and Processes Relevant for Hydrogen Economy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for:

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (3 YEARS) FOR ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION OF MATERIALS AND PROCESSES RELEVANT FOR HYDROGEN ECONOMY

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

About the programme

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 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 productions, fossil-free metals production and 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 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 position

The focus is on the advanced, especially synchrotron based, atomic and nanoscale characterization of materials relevant for the future hydrogen economy from (photo)catalysts to ultra-high-strength steels. The targeted processes and materials may be related to hydrogen production processes (photocatalysis, catalytic pyrolysis, electrolysis), storage and transport (e.g. steels and metal alloys) and end-users (e.g. hydrogen based reduction processes, fuel cells) etc. The work will be performed as a part of an international and multidisciplinary research team dedicated both to experiment and theory. You will support other researchers of the team in planning and performing experiments as well as in data analysis and interpretation. Your tasks also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, assisting in the supervision of doctoral researchers and participating in educational activities, and writing funding applications.

The position is hosted in the Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit (NANOMO) at the University of Oulu. 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, Horizon2020 programs, EU EIT-RawMaterials and ERDF funds, Academy 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.

Requirements for the position

• Doctoral degree in materials science, condensed matter physics, chemical engineering, or other relevant field.
• At least two years (maximum 10 years) of research experience in academia or in industry after completing doctoral degree.
• Documented experience in synchrotron radiation-based hard x-ray spectroscopic, diffraction/scattering and/or imaging methods.
• Documented experience of working in a synchrotron radiation facility either as a user or as a member of the staff
• Very good proficiency in the English language (both written and spoken).
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of the team and independently.

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:

• Experience in research into materials related to production of hydrogen, hydrogen storage and transport, or hydrogen end-use.
• Experience in instrument and method development for materials characterization
• Supervision of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds

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

What we offer?

We also 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. The University of Oulu offers flexible working hours, and an excellent work-life balance and provides a range of occupational healthcare services. Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. Read more about working with us and our other staff benefits.

Finland is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Oulu is a city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents of Oulu enjoy Finland’s high standard of living combined with affordable housing. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for university-level 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 gross salary will be approximate €3300-3700 per month, depending on the qualifications.

How to apply

 Applications, together with all relevant appendices, must be submitted using the electronic application form by April 30th, 2023 at 23:59 (EET). The application shall be written in English and include the following:

1. A motivation 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.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (see guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity)
3. List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (see the guidelines of the Academy of Finland)
4. 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. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the electronic portal will be considered.

Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Contact Information

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

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