Project Researcher, Sustainable Energy Business, Kerttu Saalasti Institute

We are now looking for

Project Researcher, Sustainable Energy Business

to join us at the University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute

University of Oulu’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute produces research, expertise, and solutions with a strong societal impact. Our current research areas include micro-entrepreneurship, regional excellence, future production technologies and sustainable energy business.

New Competence Area in Sustainable Energy Business

A new competence area and multidisciplinary research group focusing on sustainable energy business has been established at the Kerttu Saalasti Institute. Its goal is to accelerate the green transition by developing solutions that integrate global value chains with regional ecosystems and create conditions for new business and entrepreneurship.

As a project researcher, you will join this new and growing competence area, and your work will contribute both to ongoing research projects and to the long-term development of this strategic expertise.

About the job

The EU-funded Value Creation from Sustainable Energy Business project aims to build a knowledge base, operating models, and tools for optimising green transition value chains, while promoting regional, national, and international collaboration. Linking global value chains to the Finnish operating environment is seen as a key means of increasing competitiveness, employment, and sustainable growth.

As a Project Researcher, you will contribute particularly to two work packages:

Connecting global value chains to the regional economy. This work package maps existing practices between global value chains and regional stakeholders and develops a comprehensive growth and development model. The model considers the interests of international investors and local actors, supporting fair and inclusive business that generates added value for the regional economy.
Local growth entrepreneurship enabled by global value chains. This work package identifies mechanisms through which large green transition investments can generate new entrepreneurship and growth entrepreneurship. We focus particularly on supporting regional entrepreneurship, connecting it to international value chains, and identifying best practices. 

Duties of the Project Researcher

You participate in energy-sector research projects, particularly in analysing and developing global value chains and regional ecosystems.

You design and carry out research related to the project: data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of results to different stakeholders.

You build and develop research and innovation networks in collaboration with companies, municipalities, and other stakeholders. 

What we offer?

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable work community where you can develop and share your expertise.
• The opportunity to engage in meaningful work in current green transition research projects.
• Flexible work arrangements: working in Oulu or Nivala, or partly remotely from within Finland. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.  
• 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.

We expect from you

•  A relevant Master’s degree (e.g., industrial engineering and management, energy engineering, economics, business studies).
• Interest in research work and experience in research or development projects.
• Fluent English language skills and Finnish language skills or readiness to acquire Finnish language skills, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills. We provide support for language studies as an employer.

We also value:

• Expertise in energy technology and energy business.
• Knowledge of renewable energy (solar, wind, biogas, hydrogen) is considered an advantage.
• Understanding of the application of sustainable energy solutions and the development of energy systems.
• Experience in developing value chains and ecosystems, as well as regional innovation activities.
• You are welcome to apply even if you do not yet possess all of the above skills. 

Salary

The position is fixed-term starting on 1 November 2025 (or as agreed) and ending on 31 December 2027. The position is placed at requirement level 9 of the university’s salary system for other experts and support staff. In addition, a personal performance component of up to 50% of the task-specific salary is paid. The typical salary for similar positions is EUR 3,700–3,900/month. A six-month trial period is applied.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 2 October 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter
2. CV

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, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Research Director Teresa Haukkala
email: teresa.haukkala@oulu.fi
tel. +358 50 5985341