The University of Oulu is an international scientific community, with 15,000 students and 3,000 employees. The wide multidisciplinary 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/.

Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit (http://www.oulu.fi/pyokuien/) carries out research in the field of advanced inorganic materials in circular economy. The multicultural research group consists of 50 people; 3 professors, 15 doctors and 24 doctoral students. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in attracting competitive funding including the Academy of Finland and Horizon 2020 EU programmes.

Work description

We are looking for talented, innovative and driven Doctoral Student for a 4-year position. Your research will concentrate on developing advanced cement-like materials, with negative carbon footprint. Your task will be to carry out multidisciplinary research with state-of-the art methods, including laboratory work, inorganic material analyses, as well as thermodynamic modelling. Cement is one of the biggest polluters and responsible for 8% of all anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. At the same time, it has big potential; cement offers the largest carbon capture and storage (CCU) opportunity due to massive volumes and favourable chemistry. As a starting point, magnesium silicate minerals offer an abundant mineral base, that is currently untapped for cement and that can be carbonated to yield net-negative carbon dioxide emissions. Our team contributes to relevant scientific topics, including reactive precursor synthesis, magnesium de-solvation and carbonation, as well as crystal growth, while utilizing modelling methods such as thermodynamic and atomistic modelling.

You will carry out research work within the Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit under the guidance and supervision of Associate professor (tenure track) Paivo Kinnunen, 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 materials science, chemistry, physical chemistry, or physics, with very good/excellent grades

The following are considered beneficial

-         Suitability of the earlier studies for embarking on the doctoral degree programme

-         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 9th, 2020 at 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) Paivo Kinnunen

email: paivo.kinnunen(at)oulu.fi

tel.: +358294488020

Professor Mirja Illikainen

Head of Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit

e-mail: mirja.illikainen(at)oulu.fi

tel.: +358294482394

Due to holiday season in July, please contact us with your questions during these time periods: 29.6. – 3.7. and 31.7. – 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