Faculty of Technology, Environmental and Chemical Engineering

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher

for four years (earliest from 1.5.2024 until latest 31.12.2028) to join us in “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 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 successful candidate is expected to conduct high-level research in the field of catalyst synthesis, immobilization and in-situ characterization. The research includes synthesis of inorganic catalytic materials, their immobilization on different supports/substrates and applications in gas-phase reactions. Spectroscopic in-situ characterization will have a large role in the work. The gas-phase reactions may include CO2 methanation and methanol synthesis.

Requirements for the position 

  • Master's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering etc.
  • A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience
  • Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English

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:

  • Success in previous studies.
  • Earlier research experience in the field of the position.
  • Supervision of undergraduate and master’s students
  • Earlier experience in in-situ characterization is considered as an advantage.

What we offer?

  • The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
  • Development and career options of the big organization.
  • 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.
  • Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
  • 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.
  • 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. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

The doctoral researcher will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 2-4 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 €2300-2600  per month (before taxes), depending on the qualifications. In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. 

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant appendices, must be submitted using the electronic application form by April 12th 2024 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 
  3. List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
  4. A brief research and action plan (max 3 pages)
  5. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master's 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.
  6. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

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, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Further Information

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

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

Satu Ojala, satu.ojala@oulu.fi, tel. +358 50 3506098

Type of employment Temporary position over 6 months
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 1.5.2024
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Oulu
County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country Finland
Reference number 2024/138
Published 25.Mar.2024
Last application date 12.Apr.2024

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