Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental engineering, Faculty of Technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a 

Postdoctroral 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 membrane separation with focus on hydrogen separation. Research will concentrate on the synthesis and development of hybrid membranes containing photocatalytic part and organic/inorganic separation part. The postdoc will work hand in hand with catalyst development and reactor design and should feel comfortable to work in an interdisciplinary team. Responsibilities of this position include undergraduate/graduate level teaching and supervision of academic theses. The position will be located at Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit at the Faculty of Technology.

Requirements for the position 

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering etc. that was awarded not more than ten years ago.
• Experience in membrane development, especially organic/inorganic composite membranes
• 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:

• Experience in membrane development, synthesis and characterization
• Experience in gas separation membranes and their application
• Supervision of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds
• Experience in catalysis and reactor design are 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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.
• Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. 
• 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.
• 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 as of earliest from 1.5.2024 until latest 31.12.2028.

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 €3400-3900 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.

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

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 Ph.D. 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