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) 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 research. 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 the planning and construction 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 Doctoral Student for a 4-year position. Your research will concentrate on advanced characterization of inorganic materials. Your task is to carry out multidisciplinary work related to microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of inorganic materials. You will work in close contact with a Postdoctoral researcher in a project where different materials characterisation techniques including in situ and operando techniques are used to gain fundamental knowledge of materials properties and processes on nano and molecular level. International large-scale infrastructures such as synchrotron radiation facilities as well as local instrumentation will be used. You will also participate to the development of methods and instrumentation.

You will carry out research work within the Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit under the guidance and supervision of Associate professor (tenure track) Minna Patanen, publish research results in leading international scientific journals, attend doctoral courses and complete your thesis within 4 years. Other duties include teaching undergraduate courses (approx. 5 % of the annual working time) and supervising undergraduate theses. In addition, you may be obligated to participate in minor administrative tasks of the Research Unit and University. You will work on research in university`s strategic research profile area called Inorganic Side Streams (InStreams). Further information about the InStreams from the webpage: www.oulu.fi/instreams/

What we expect

• We are looking for a team player with good analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English
• You must have a Master of Science or equivalent degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or quantum chemistry, with very good/excellent grades

The following are considered beneficial

• Suitability of the earlier studies for embarking on the doctoral degree programme in physics
• Prizes received during studies
• Scientific publications and presentations
• Activity in the scientific community
• Practical familiarity with the field in question and international activities

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
• 4-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 2 – 4). The typical salary for a starting doctoral student is €2,300 per month, depending on candidates personal work performance and progress in her/his PhD studies

The education requirements for a PhD degree studies are given by the University of Oulu Graduate School (https://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/).

How to apply

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

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages), where the following information is clearly provided:
   • Research interests
   • Professional experience and expertise
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 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. Contact details of two persons available for providing a recommendation
5. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copies of degree certificates (B.Sc. and M.Sc.), official translations to Finnish or English

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

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
tel. +358294481326

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