The University of Oulu is an international scientific community, with 15,000 students and 3,000 employees. The wide multidisciplinarity is a strength of the University both in education and research interests. The modern environment, world-class research infrastructures and extensive cooperation with international research institutes and private sector organizations provide excellent possibilities for research and innovation. More information https://www.oulu.fi/university/.

Nano and Molecular Systems Research unit (www.nanomo.fi) is a highly international research environment presently formed by 2 professors, 3 associate professors (tenure track) and around 40 other researchers. The focus is on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The research topics include electronic structure research especially in nanomaterials, functional materials (steel, CO₂ negative materials, nanocatalytes for sustainability), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon2020 programs, EU EIT-RawMaterials and ERDF funds, Academy of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV facility, participates in operation of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.

Work description

We are now looking for a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for a 3-year position. Your research will concentrate on advanced characterization of materials in a multidisciplinary environment. Your task is to utilize spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques to gain molecular level insight to fundamental physical and chemical properties and processes of inorganic materials related to e.g. raw materials, mining, and CO₂ sequestration. The behaviour of the materials will be followed using in situ and operando techniques. You are able to develop methods and instrumentation and carry out experimental work at international large-scale infrastructures such as synchrotron radiation facilities. Local instruments, including e.g. electron microscopes and spectrometers, and X-ray diffractometers and spectrometers will be also benefited.

You will carry out research work within a research team, publish research results in leading international scientific journals, take part in funding acquisition, contribute in teaching and supervision. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher may participate in administrative tasks of the research unit. You will work on research in university`s strategic research profile area called Inorganic Side Streams (InStreams). Your supervisor will be Associate professor (tenure track) Minna Patanen.

The position is funded by ‘Inorganic Side Streams: From basic research and technology development to sustainable value chains (InStreams)’ a scientific profile area of the University of Oulu. InStreams is a multidisciplinary research programme integrating knowledge to anticipate challenges in sustainable value chains. InStreams focuses on cross-disciplinary inorganic materials research and engineering and the management and utilization of inorganic side streams. It develops sustainable value chains and has high interest to put scientific research into practice. The InStreams postdoc programme funds talented researchers from a variety of disciplines. Instreams profiling is part of the InStreamsHub research community of the University of Oulu. Further information about the InStreams from the webpage: www.oulu.fi/instreams/.

What we expect

• We are looking for a team player with solid research skills
• You must have a doctoral degree in physics or in a closely related field. Please note that, your degree should be obtained within the last 10 years, latest by the start of the employment
• We expect you to have knowledge in synchrotron radiation based characterization technique(s) (spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction, scattering)
• You should have good communication skills in both written and spoken English
• The candidates are expected to have experience from research environments other than University of Oulu

Scientific publications, thesis supervision, activity in the scientific community and practical familiarity with the field in question will be used as selection criteria.

What we offer

• You will become a part of a highly talented research group, that is working on strategically and globally significant research area
• You will receive support from your team and supervisor, so that you can excel in your research
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as occupational healthcare and affordable sport services
• 3-year position, beginning on September 1, 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A six-month trial period will be applied to the position
• The salary is in accordance with the university salary system (for teaching and research personnel, level 5 – 6). The typical salary for a starting postdoctoral researcher is €3,400 per month but may be larger for exceptional candidates depending on experience and qualifications

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using electronic application form by August 9th, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

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

3)     List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland       https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/

4)     A research plan (max. 3 pages)

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

6)     Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Further information

Associate professor (tenure track) Minna Patanen
NANOMO Research Unit
email: minna.patanen@oulu.fi
p. +358294481326

Professor Marko Huttula
Head of NANOMO Research Unit
email: marko.huttula@oulu.fi
p. +358294481324

Due to holiday season in July, please contact us with your questions during these time periods: 16.6. – 3.7. and 3.8. – 9.8.

City of Oulu

The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Scandinavia and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu