Doctoral Researcher, Functional Materials Group, Nano and Molecular Systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher, Surface Design and Realizations for Photocatalytic Solar Fuel Production from Complex Water Environment

to join us in Research unit at the Faculty of Science, 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 Academy of Finland etc. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron radiation facility and the latest national profiling fund of H2Future.

The work is carried out in the Functional Materials Group (FunMaters, https://www.oulu.fi/en/research-groups/functional-materials) of Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit (NANOMO). The group consists of one professor, three postdoctoral researchers, four Ph.D students and one visiting scholar. The group also has an EIT Raw Materials funding together with an ERC project. The research of the group covers a wide domain in materials physics, with special emphasis on photocatalysis, bio-inspired surface treatment, and advanced metals.

About the job

Environmental and energy crisis demands swift scientific breakthroughs for their mitigations. A promising route is to utilize photocatalysis to convert sewage into useful solar fuel and clean water. To realize this, the proper media with multifunctionalities in water remediation and hydrogen evolution are needed.

You will focus on surface engineering through various synthetic materials decoration and coating methods. The synthetic and engineering tasks are expected to be performed in house via wet methods and coating techniques. The works will be implemented in an international and multidisciplinary research team dedicated both to experiment and theory. Your tasks also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals and obtaining course credits in according to the doctoral degree training plan.

What we offer?

• You will be a part of a highly talented research group.
• You will receive support from your team and supervisor, so that you can excel in your research
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as occupational healthcare and affordable sport services. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• A two-year doctoral researcher position and salary in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system (for teaching and research personnel): Doctoral researcher demand level 2 – 4. In addition, a personal salary component based on work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Typical salary for a doctoral researcher is 2300- 2700 € per month (before taxes).
• The position is expected to start from 01.08.2023. However, due to possible travel restrictions and administration issues, a delay of couple of months may also be within considerations.

Who are you?

Requirements for the post

• A Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related area
• The degree must be completed with good grades, latest by the start of the employment
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of team and independently

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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

• Experiences in surface modification, photocatalysis, water-oil separations
• Documented knowledge in water remediation and/or photocatalysis
• Surface wettability studies on nanomaterials modified systems
• Experiences in materials characterization techniques

How to apply?

Applications, together with all relevant appendices, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 28th April 2023 at 23:59 (EET). The application should 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 provided here

2) Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages). Following the guideline of University of Oulu, a hybrid CV model combining a narrative CV and traditional CV models is encouraged. Links to narrative CV and traditional CV are https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BBSRC-090322-Funding-Opp-DiscoveryFellowships-NarrativeCVTemplate.docx and http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3) List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (see List of publications - Academy of Finland (aka.fi))

4) Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate and transcript of records 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 graduation.

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 portal will be considered.

Top candidates will be invited to a remote interview.

Contact Information

In scientific and academic questions related to the position, please contact:

Professor Wei Cao

NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

In management and administration related questions, please contact:

Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen, Senior Research Fellow

NANOMO Unit

samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi