The North changes the world – more sustainable, more intelligent, more humane. We at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

Kvantum Institute is one of the four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities and doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas Sustainable materials and systems and Changing climate and northern environment. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as co-operation between groups and national and international partners.

We are now looking for

One Postdoctoral Researcher and one Doctoral Student

for Robust 2D Materials for Sensors, Photo and Electrocatalysis (ROAR)

Description of the position

The position is under Kvantum Institute Project Robust 2D materials for sensors, photo- and electrocatalysis (ROAR). Our research focuses on the preparation and characterization of novel chalcogen compounds and their metal complexes as precursors for 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. We offer a research environment with excellent technological facilities, training possibilities and opportunities for career development. 

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral Researcher position, Synthetic inorganic chemistry

Applications are invited for a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join a research project headed by adj. prof. Raija Oilunkaniemi and assoc. prof. Daniela Bezuidenhout in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Environmental and Chemical Engineering unit at the University of Oulu in the Faculty of Technology, for two years starting at the earliest on 1 January 2021.

The position is under Kvantum Institute Project Robust 2D materials for sensors, photo- and electrocatalysis (ROAR). Our research focuses on the preparation and characterization of novel chalcogen compounds and their metal complexes as precursors for 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. 

To succeed in the position the candidate is required to hold a PhD in chemistry with an expertise in main group or organometallic chemistry, broadly defined. The doctoral degree can´t be more than 10 years old. The applicant is expected to be highly motivated, have experience in synthetic techniques of air-sensitive compounds, as well as in modern instrumental spectroscopic and structural characterization methods employed in organometallic chemistry. Experience in molecular modelling is an advantage, whereas fluent English proficiency is a must

Doctoral student position, Materials science / Chemical engineering

We open a 4-year doctoral student position (starting at the earliest on 1 January 2021) in a project addressing several elements of the specific objective “Creating sustainability through materials and systems”. The objective is to synthetize and study the structure, activity, selectivity and stability of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) catalysts in visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants (primarily polymer contaminations in water), and to find correlations between their photocatalytic performance and structural properties. In addition, method development for on-line capillary electrophoresis based water analysis during the testing is of essential importance.

The doctoral student position is open to highly talented individual who holds a master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science/engineering or physics (or any closely related fields) and has excellent potential for a successful scientific career. We expect you to be skilled and willing to get around with multidisciplinary, national and international research environment. Fluent English proficiency is a must.

The position, i.e. the supervision and the work during the doctoral studies will be divided between two faculties and two research units: 1) Faculty of Technology and there the Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit (ECE) and 2) Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and there the Microelectronics Research Unit (MIC).

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 studies and research
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as occupational healthcare and affordable sport services
• A salary in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system (for teaching and research personnel): A Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on demand level 5 – 6 and a Doctoral Student level 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is approx. 3400€ per month (before taxes) and for a Doctoral Student approx. 2350€ per month (before taxes).

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by November 1st, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Brief curriculum vitae in English (including list of publications)
2. Scanned copies of degree certificates (BSc, MSc, PhD)
3. Extract of the study record(s)
4. Brief description of research interests, experience and motivation, in English
5. Your availability (starting time)

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through portal will be considered.
Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Further information

Postdoctoral Researcher position

Adj. prof. Raija Oilunkaniemi, Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, ECE Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel. +358294481686, email: raija.oilunkaniemi@oulu.fi; and Associate professor Daniela Bezuidenhout Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel+358505714755, email: daniela.bezuidenhout@oulu.fi .

Doctoral Student position

Further details are available from prof. Riitta Keiski, Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel. +358407263018, email: riitta.keiski@oulu.fi.

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