Tenure Track Associate Professor, Inorganic Material Chemistry

We are now looking for

Tenure Track Associate Professor in Inorganic Material Chemistry

to join us in Sustainable Chemistry Research Unit (SusChem) at the Faculty of Technology

The SusChem unit has approximately 80 employees across two campuses — in Oulu (Linnanmaa) and in Kokkola (Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius). Research associated with this position is conducted at both locations. The SusChem unit specializes in advanced chemistry research, with a particular focus on inorganic (material) chemistry and related circular economy. High-quality research is related to the chemistry of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching and precipitation, contributing to the synthesis of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery chemicals. Key areas include cathode active materials, sustainable anode development, the recovery and reuse of valuable metals, and the industrially relevant recycling of inorganic material flows. The unit maintains strong, ongoing collaborations with industry partners.

About the job

As a successful candidate for the position,

• You are expected to carry out research in the field of chemistry with specialization in inorganic material chemistry, and especially related to inorganic electrode materials, recovery and reuse of valuable metals, and/or recycling of inorganic material flows.
• It is important that you master how these inorganic materials, synthesis methods for these materials, and inorganic material flows influence the target applications (hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching and precipitation, contributing to the synthesis of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery chemicals). Knowledge of relevant industrial processes is important, and research must take into account goals of circular economy and sustainability
• You are expected to teach within the field of inorganic chemistry.

The position offers a unique opportunity to establish your own research group, lead and participate in timely research and collaboration within chemistry and chemical engineering fields, interdisciplinary and international research environments, and global partnership networks.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team of 80 experts, 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu or Kokkola.
• If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to Oulu or Kokkola..
• 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?

You should have excellent potential for a successful scientific career. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score), to be recruited. Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure, and advancement on our careers website.

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect 

• You have a doctoral degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, with background in areas such as applied inorganic chemistry or materials chemistry.
• You must demonstrate a strong track record of international scientific research and evidence of international cooperation.
• You must have ability and experience in acquiring external research funding.
• You must have the ability and experience to lead research (e.g., coordination of research and financial resources) and to supervise doctoral and master's students.
• You must demonstrate relevant teaching skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills or participation in courses to master basic skills in the Finnish language.
• Experience in collaboration with international partners and companies, and previous experience in chemical industry.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 5 years as of 01.03.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 6-7 (associate professor) 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. 4800 - 5700 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 17.11.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (with the ten most important ones marked)
4. Brief account of research merits
5. Brief account of teaching merits or teaching portfolio including:
   1. Teaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and methods
   2. Teacher’s self-reflection on his/her teaching style, a personal background idea of teaching; how are these reflected in teaching?
   3. A description of oneself as a teacher and an implementer of educational work
   4. Practical experience in teaching and efforts to improve teaching
   5. Description of educational material (curricula, handouts, assignments, workbooks)
   6. Professional development as a teacher
   7. Evaluation of teaching (student evaluations, peer evaluations, awards, and assessed test lectures)
   8. Plans for future directions of teaching in the discipline concerned
6. Details regarding acquisition of research funds
7. A brief research and action plan
8. Contact information of 2–4 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 linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation. Teaching competence can be demonstrated through a teaching demonstration.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the SusChem Unit leader, Prof. Ulla Lassi, ulla.lassi@oulu.fi, +358 40 0294 090. In practical issues, you can contact the secretary of the recruitment committee, Docent Satu Pitkäaho, satu.pitkaaho@oulu.fi.