Doctoral Researcher in Photocatalytic Reactor Designs and Realization for Solar Hydrogen Production - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are standing in front of a new era of developing and utilizing clean energy sources to mitigate environmental, energy and geopolitical crisis. Among various source types, solar hydrogen outstands thanks to its production feasibility by harvesting solar irradiance, high volumetric energy density, and final harmless product after being burnt. However, solar hydrogen requires dedicated devices for its production. Thus, we are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher in photocatalytic reactor designs and realization for solar hydrogen production

to join us in the Nano and Molecular Systems Research unit (NANOMO) at the Faculty of Science.

The NANOMO research unit focuses on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The research topics include electronic structure research in nanomaterials, functional materials (e.g. steel, carbon negative materials, and nanocatalysts), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon Europe programs, ERDF funds, Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron radiation facility, participates in the operation of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.

The work is carried out in the Functional Materials (FunMaters) Group of the NANOMO Unit at University of Oulu. The group consists of one professor, five postdoctoral researchers and six doctoral researchers. The research of the group covers a wide domain in materials physics, with special emphasis on photocatalysis, bio-inspired surface treatment, and advanced metals.

About the job

You will focus on computer-aided design (CAD) and prototyping of compatible reactors to photocatalytic films coated with nanomaterials for solar hydrogen evolution. The design and engineering tasks are expected to be performed through liquid flow simulations, 3D printing of the prototypes, assembling and commissioning the reactors. The works will be implemented in an international and multidisciplinary research team dedicated both to catalytic film-based hydrogen reactor realizations. Your tasks include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, obtaining course credits in according to the doctoral degree training plan, and completing your doctoral degree by the due time.

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 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?

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

• A master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, biosciences, or a related area. 
• The degree must be completed with good grades, latest by the start of the employment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of team and independently.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

You will be evaluated based on your qualifications, suitability for the research topic, and potential as researchers. The following merits are seen as strong advantages:

• Experiences in automatized data collection and data analysis.
• Experiences in computational fluid dynamics.
• Computer assisted device design and 3D printing.
• Solar energy harvesting and sunlight guidance studies.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.09.2024 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. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.08.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas. Scanned copy of the original master’s 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 finishing. 
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

Professor Wei Cao,

FunMaters’ Group and Project Leader, NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

Dr. Shubo Wang

FunMaters Group, NANOMO Unit

shubo.wang@oulu.fi

M.Sc. Veera Juntunen

FunMaters Group, NANOMO Unit

veera.juntunen@oulu.fi