Doctoral Researcher, "Micropollutant load from sanitation in the cold environment", Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher 

with a contract starting on 01.07.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Position has a four year funding. The doctoral researcher will join the Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering Research Group under the supervision of Senior Research Fellow, Docent/Dr. Elisangela Heiderscheidt and Assistant Professor Pekka Rossi. The group is part of the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit at the Faculty of Technology. The research unit is at the forefront of water research in Finland and Europe and has just been awarded the flagship project “Digital Waters” by the Research Council of Finland.

About the job

You will work on research tasks involved in the project “Sanitation systems as sources of environmental contamination in cold conditions: The case of micropollutants load and their role in source identification (SanMic)”. The project aims to generate critically needed information on the occurrence of micropollutants in sewage water, wastewater treatment plant effluents and the receiving environment. The goal is to provide information that will enable wastewater utilities to prepare for changes in monitoring and treatment requirements due to alterations in EU regulations. Implementation of the research will be done in close collaboration with e.g., wastewater utilities, municipalities, decision makers and regulators assuring fast dissemination and uptake of the results.

Furthermore, the project will investigate the possibility of using the occurrence of sewage-derived micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems (e.g., lakes, etc.) as indicators for contaminant source identification in combination with other parameters such as the isotopic composition of nitrate and water molecules.

Involved tasks will include e.g., water, wastewater and other environmental matrices sampling and analysis, map development and data analysis in GIS-based tools, etc. Contaminant transport modelling might also be included as a project activity.

What we offer?

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of hydrology and water resources management, water engineering, sanitation and water supply, applied microbiology and environmental impact assessment. 
• 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 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.

Who are you?

Assessment of the applicant’s qualifications will be based on the following criteria:

• Master´s degree in the fields of Environmental Engineering, Water and or Sanitation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Biochemistry (or another equivalent degree) is necessary.
• Hands-on experience in environmental sampling (water, soil or sediments) and field measurements.
• Experience on analysis of field monitoring data.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and the ability to use software and tools such as e.g., R and GIS are an advantage.
• Ability to pursue independent work and excellent writing and fluency in English is expected.
• Fluency in Finnish is a significant advantage.
• Driver’s license is essential.
• Experience in water flow and contaminant transport process modelling is considered beneficial.
• Students in the final year of their degree can apply if they graduate before June 1st, 2024.

The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 1.7.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the 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 (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2400-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.03.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Motivation letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
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

Assistant Prof. Pekka Rossi
pekka.rossi@oulu.fi, phone +358294484395
Assistant professor in Water supply engineering (tenure track)

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology