Doctoral Researcher in Process Metallurgy, Faculty of Technology

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

in the Process Metallurgy Research Unit at the Faculty of Technology.

The Process Metallurgy Research Unit focuses on pyrometallurgical metal production and other high-temperature processes with the main emphasis on the production of iron, steel, and ferroalloys. Research is executed in close cooperation with the metallurgical industry. MET also has a wide national and international network with leading research institutes and universities working in the field of metallurgy and related disciplines. At the moment, the key areas of research are circular economy and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in metal production by hydrogen reduction, electrified processes, and biofuels. The main external funding sources include Business Finland, the Academy of Finland, RFCS funds, and Horizon EU programs.

About the job

The doctoral researcher will work on the project Simulation, Modelling and Monitoring of Plasma and Arc Based Processes for Green Metal Production – PlasmArc4Green. The aim of the PlasmArc4Green is to develop digitalization methods for plasma-based processes that are relevant for the transformation towards CO2 neutral metal production. Specifically, development of new measurement techniques and numerical simulations of arc dynamics for better process control are in the core of the project. Testing and validation of the various methods will be demonstrated with lab-scale and pilot-scale hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) experiments.

Doctoral researcher’s work will focus on using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and plasma images to perform H2-plasma characterization. The work includes laboratory and pilot-scale experiments in collaboration with the project’s partners. Due to the vast amount of data that will be generated, part of the work will be to test various statistical data analysis methods and machine learning for efficient data analysis (e.g. regression analysis and image recognition). Based on the OES, image, and reactor data, the doctoral researcher will

1. use (physics-based) plasma characterization to create a deeper understanding of the HPSR process
2. find out how the material’s reduction/metallization degree can be assessed from the data
3. create analysis algorithms, to use them for on-line (real-time) analysis
4. create and provide data for HPSR process model development

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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 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.  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. 

Who are you?

A successful candidate for the position must have the following:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Process Metallurgy, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry
• The degree must be completed with good grades, at the latest by the start of the employment
• Basic knowledge of spectroscopic phenomena and analysis methods
• Good proficiency in the English language (both written and spoken)
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team and independently

The following merits are considered as an advantage:

• Experience in programming environments (e.g. MATLAB) or using programming languages (preferably Python, C++ or C#)
• Experience in optical emission spectroscopy and/or image analysis
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and/or machine learning to interpret large data sets
• Knowledge of metallurgical processes

See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

Start date and salary

• The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.08.2024. The work should start as soon as possible after this date.
• The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately 2500-2700 € per month (before taxes and compulsory deductions for contributions to social insurance schemes according to national law).
• A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Submit your application by 15.05.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our Varbi recruitment system. The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover/motivation letter 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. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas. 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
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

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 Dr. Henri Pauna (e-mail: henri.pauna@oulu.fi; tel. +358 50 4471053).