The University of Oulu is an international science university, which seeks and creates innovations, well-being and knowledge through multidisciplinary research and education. The community comprises around 2,900 employees and 13,000 students. It is one of the largest and most multidisciplinary universities not only in Finland, but also in the Northern Countries. The new strategy of the University of Oulu is directed at global challenges in 5 focus areas, see http://www.oulu.fi/university.

The postdoctoral position is part of the University of Oulu profiling program “Genome of Steel: Physics for strong, tough and sustainable steel”, which is in the strategic focus area “Creating sustainability by materials and systems”. The position is in the Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit (NANOMO, www.nanomo.fi) in the Faculty of Science and is connected to the unit’s participation in the Center for Advanced Steel Research (CASR) (http://www.oulu.fi/casr/).

NANOMO (www.oulu.fi/nanomo) is a highly international research environment presently formed by 4 prof./tenure track PI’s  and around 50 other researchers. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon2020 programs and ERDF funds, the Academy of Finland and the China Scholarship Council. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV synchrotron facility and contributes to the EU-XFEL project.  The research topics include electronic structure research especially in clusters and nanoparticles, atmospheric research, functional materials (steel, CO2 negative materials, nanocatalytes for sustainability), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics research.

The position is a fixed 18-month position, starting 1^st of May 2020 at the earliest. The exact starting date is negotiable.

Subject field and description of the position

The position is on physics of steel through cutting-edge characterizations at international photon sources. The research is on effects of microstructural evolutions, phase transformations, and electronic structures of steel and related alloys.

Main responsibilities of the position comprise synchrotron determinations of structures subjected to thermomechanical treatment, and in situ characterizations of structural evolutions for ultra-high strength (UHS) steels. The focus is on nanoscale morphology and the electronic structure. Experimental data will be interpreted along with computational results to reveal physical mechanisms leading to phase transformations in ultra-high steels, highlighting future developments for UHS steels.

The formation and role of non-metallic inclusions and phase transformations in steels, their accurate prediction and controlling during processing are the key focuses of the research in the profiling theme. The position is to benefit the forefront experimental methodologies, especially spectroscopy available at local and national laboratories, novel synchrotron radiation, and free electron laser facilities.

The appointed candidate will work in the international multidisciplinary and inter-sectorial collaboration network between the CASR and NANOMO, the Nordic-Baltic Steel community and international research organizations.

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D in physics, engineering, materials science or related area, obtained within the past 10 years

- Experience in experimental materials science and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques

- Experience in instrumental development

- Good communication skills in both written and spoken English

Fluent English and good teamwork skills are required. When assessing the applicant’s qualifications, issues to be considered will include scientific publications, thesis supervision, activity in the scientific community, practical familiarity with the field in question, scientific work abroad, and other international activities. Further, familiarity with automation for thermomechanical treatments, teaching experience and shown potential in acquiring supplementary funding will be taken as a merit when choosing the scientist.

As a part of the NANOMO unit, the duties also include supervising M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.

The salary will be based on the levels 5 - 6 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).

Apply online latest on 28 March 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time).

Please include the following attachments in your application:

1) A letter of motivation and research plan (max. 3 pages)

2) A curriculum vitae (max 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (www.tenk.fi/en/content/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)

3) A publication list based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland  http://www.aka.fi/en/funding/how-to-apply/appendices-required/guidelines-for-list-of-publications/

4) Names and contact information of two persons for possible references

For further information, please contact:
Associate professor (tenure): Wei Cao, tel. +358 (0)40 089 7982, email. wei.cao(at)oulu.fi

Or

Professor: Marko Huttula, email. marko.huttula(at)oulu.fi