The University of Oulu in Northern Finland (http://www.oulu.fi/university), with approximately 15000 students and 3000 employees, is an international, multidisciplinary research university with a rich pool of creative and intellectual talent. The strengths of the University are broad, multidisciplinary research interests, a modern research and study environment, and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes.

Applications are invited for two full-time Doctoral Student positions to join a research project headed by Associate Professor Daniela Bezuidenhout in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit at the University of Oulu in the Faculty of Technology, for a maximum of four (4) years starting at the earliest on 1 January 2021. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the positions.

Subject Field and Description of the Position

Our research focuses on the development of carbenes and carbene metal complexes, for (i) new template chemical reactivity mediated by transition metal complexes, (ii) the activation of inert covalent bonds found in small molecules, and (iii) the application of these fundamental reactions in the catalytic synthesis of organic molecules of relevance. The aim is to exploit the potential cooperativity possible for carbenes in functions that extend beyond ancillary spectator roles. We offer a research environment with excellent technological facilities, training possibilities and opportunities for career development.

To successfully occupy the position of a doctoral student, the candidate must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) preferably in the field of chemistry. The degree must have been completed with good grades by the time of application. Ability to pursue independent research and excellent writing and fluency in English is expected. The doctoral student position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will be either starting their doctoral training or will have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. The selected candidate will carry out his/her doctoral studies in the Chemistry Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in https://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

Salary and work benefits

The salary will be based on the levels 2 – 4 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). In practice, this equates to 2300 – 3400 € per month (before taxes), depending on the appointee’s personal work performance and progress. The employment includes occupational health care and benefits of a Nordic welfare state, such as access to high-quality public affordable childcare services.

Applications and further information

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using electronic application form by Wednesday, 19 August 2020, 23:59 (Finnish local time). Please include the following attachments in your application:

• Brief curriculum vitae in English (including list of publications)
• Scanned copies of degree certificates (BSc, MSc)
• Extract of the study record(s)
• Brief description of research interests, experience and motivation, in English
• Your availability (starting time)
• Contact information of two persons whom may be asked to give a statement of the candidate

The potential candidates for the positions may be called for an interview.

Further information

Associate Professor Daniela Bezuidenhout, Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, ECE Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel. +358 50 571 4155, email: daniela.bezuidenhout(at)oulu.fi

Please note that due to the summer holiday season, there may be delay in responding to enquiries.