Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant for industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. 

The sponsoring company for this position is Nokian Tyres, world’s northernmost tire manufacturer which promotes and facilitates safe transport in all conditions. DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of bio-based fillers in rubber compounds for improved tire properties and sustainability. The goals are:

1. to build in-depth knowledge on the nature of the bio-filler surface characteristics compared to carbon black and silica 
2. to verify suitable bio-filler surface modification methods to achieve a good coupling with the rubber matrix and desired properties for the tire 
3. to study the effect of bio-based fillers on the processing of the rubber product, especially on the mixing and vulcanization steps.

As a Doctoral Researcher you will investigate and share the state of the art research results, will use several laboratory methods to modify, process and characterize the materials and to facilitate improvement activities in the industry. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Assistant Professor Essi Sarlin and mentored by Dr. Minna Poikelispää. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives. 

The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers will also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

Requirements

You need to have an applicable higher university degree in Material or Polymer Science / Technology, Polymer Chemistry or a related discipline in science or engineering. You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required. 

Successful candidates must be pursuing or should be accepted to study towards a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Engineering Sciences. Please visit https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/doctoral-programme-engineering-sciences for more information on eligibility requirements.

What we offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in January 2021 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2 – 4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2350 – 2450 EUR/month.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group Plastics and Elastomer technology has doctoral students from several countries and our working language is English. We collaborate with other groups in the University, so interdisciplinary approach is highly encouraged, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. 

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University. 

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 5 October 2020 (23:59 EET / 21.59 UTC). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees).
• List of publications
• Transcript of records (master's degree studies).

For further information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Essi Sarlin, email: essi.sarlin@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Teollisuuden innovaatioiden tohtorikoulu (DSII) on ainutlaatuinen tapa yhdistää väitöskirjatutkimus, yritysten liiketoimintahaasteiden ratkaiseminen, ammatillisten verkostojen luominen ja innovaatiotyöhön perehtyminen. Tampereen yliopisto palkkaa tohtorikoulutettavan neljäksi vuodeksi projektiin, jonka rahoitukseen yritys osallistuu. 

Tehtävänkuvaus

Tehtävän aihepiiri sijoittuu kumiteknologiaan ja tutkimus tehdään Tampereen yliopiston Muovi-ja Elastomeeritekniikan tutkimusryhmässä. Työssä tutkitaan biopohjaisten täyteaineiden pintakäsittelyä ja karakterisointia sekä bio-pohjaisten täyteaineiden vaikutusta kumien prosessointiin.   

Hakuohjeet

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Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 5.10.2020 klo 23.59.