Doctoral Researcher in sustainable energy systems

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher

in sustainable energy systems, with focus on environmental impacts and a just transition to hydrogen economy to join us in the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit at the Faculty of Technology for a fixed-term position in a project lasting until 31.12.2026.

The applied position is in the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group, led by Professor Eva Pongrácz. Research in the energy group supports transition to sustainable and carbon neutral energy systems. We focus on decarbonising the energy system as well as the environmental impacts and social justice of the transition process. 

About the job

You will join the project titled "The price of decarbonization with hydrogen", supervised by Prof. Pongrácz. The projects aims to assess the environmental and social implications of the EU hydrogen economy vision. The project aims to review the material and infrastructural requirements of the EU hydrogen vision, with a focus on the types, quantities, and sources of materials this requires. The sustainability and feasibility of these material demands will be assessed in the context of global supply chains and environmental limits. The project aims to provide a critical examination of trade-offs, in terms of assessing what hydrogen replaces, what it saves, vs what it sacrifices. The expectation of the research is to move beyond purely technical or economic feasibility to include regional and global environmental justice concerns. With this, the research aims to bridge the gap between short-term goals and long-term global sustainability. 

As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct the research in the project, supported by our experienced and enthusiastic team of sustainable energy researchers.

The tasks to be performed are:

• Quantifying the material requirement of hydrogen economy and their environmental impacts
• Inventory of avoided impacts and assessment of trade-offs
• Environmental impact and social justice assessment of a selected case study
• Write scientific articles based on the conducted research (min. 2 manuscripts)

You will be supervised by Prof. Pongrácz and benefit from the collaboration within a multidisciplinary research group studying hydrogen economy solutions and impacts in various ongoing projects.

What we offer?

• The support of an enthusiastic team of over 90 researchers in the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, 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?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Master's degree, preferably in environmental engineering with focus on energy, or other environmental or energy fields
  • The degree must have been completed with good grades (the average min. 70% of maximum), and the master's thesis with a very good grade (min. 80% of the best grade)
  • At least 30 ECTS worth of studies in relevant subjects (energy, environment, sustainability) with very good grades (min. 80% of best grade)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Good IT skills as this will be mainly a desktop research
• We are looking for applicants who are motivated to carry on beyond the project to complete their doctoral degree.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We appreciate if you have at least one of the following:

• Experience in conducting environmental impact assessment studies, e.g. LCA
• Experience in using energy system or dynamic scenario modelling tools
• Prior research, studies or experience in hydrogen, especially from an environmental aspect
• Prior research, studies or experience in social sustainability issues

Salary

The position is fixed-term until 31.12.2026 as of 1.4.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the level 2 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 approx. 2500-2700 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 28.3.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following documents (preferably in pdf):

1. Motivation letter
2. Complete CV, containing also list of publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Copies of Diplomas and transcripts of records of master's studies in English 
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

Please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments.

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 genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact:

Prof. Eva Pongrácz, eva.pongracz(at)oulu.fi
https://www.oulu.fi/en/researchers/eva-pongracz