The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. Its international academic community consists of 40,000 students and staff members. As a part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Chemistry carries out research in three main topics: materials chemistry, molecular science, and synthesis and analysis. The department operates on an annual budget of 20 million euros and has 15 tenured professors, 2 tenure-track associate professors and 1 visiting professor.

The research performed in the field of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry is of the highest international level. The current research areas are laser spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and computational and theoretical chemistry.

The Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, invites applications for an appointment as

PROFESSOR OR ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

The (tenure-track) professor in physical chemistry will be responsible for experimental scientific work at the very core of chemical sciences: reaction kinetics and dynamics, i.e. understanding chemical reactions at the atomic and molecular level. The target reactions of study can be in the gas phase, in solutions, or at surfaces or interfaces. The applications include, for example, atmospheric, combustion, and material chemistry, as well as photochemistry and synthetic and catalytic chemistry. The Department of Chemistry has a nationally unique and internationally recognized role on investigation of reaction mechanisms in these fields.

Candidates are expected to have a strong track record in experimental reaction kinetics and dynamics, preferably including experience in the development of new experimental methods and instrumentation, such as those based on state-of-the-art optical methods, and mass spectrometry. The use of computational chemistry in designing experiments and interpreting experimental results is also highly valued. The professor will be associated with the Molecular Science Research Unit of the Department of Chemistry, but the position connects to several research focus areas of the faculty, offering excellent collaboration opportunities with leading research groups in chemistry, physics, and atmospheric sciences. Successful candidates are expected to create collaborative links with other scientists of the faculty. The candidates should also actively pursue both national and international cooperation and research funding.

In addition to supervising doctoral students, commitment to teaching of courses and development of teaching at undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels is expected.

Qualifications
Candidates must have a doctoral degree in chemistry or in some other appropriate field. Excellent academic qualifications, international collaboration, and evidence of the capability of leading an independent research group are expected. The candidates must also be able to provide research-based teaching of high quality, supervise dissertations and theses, and participate in the development of curriculum in chemistry. Candidates must be fluent in English.

When assessing the qualifications of candidates, attention will be paid to scientific publications and other research results of scientific value, participation in doctoral education, teaching experience and pedagogical training, the ability to produce teaching materials, other teaching merits. If viewed necessary, teaching skills will be demonstrated in a lecture. Furthermore, attention will be paid to candidates’ activities within the research community, success in attracting research funding, research work abroad, and elected positions in international organizations.

Depending on the qualifications and career stage of the applicant, the appointment may be a permanent full professorship, or a fixed-term tenure track assistant or associate professor position. For more information on the career path and a description of the tenure-track model at the University of Helsinki, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/careers-at-the-university-of-helsi....

Salary and benefits
The Department of Chemistry of the University of Helsinki is located at the Kumpula campus, which fosters high-quality research in international and multidisciplinary environment, with an excellent infrastructure for both experimental and computational work. The department offers assistant and associate professors prerequisites to grow into full professorships. In addition to the funding possibilities offered by the national and European funding agencies, the Faculty of Science opens calls on a yearly basis for infrastructure funding. The appointment will also include a startup package of about 160 000 €.

The annual gross salary for assistant/associate professors is typically 60,000 - 72,000 € and for professors 72,000 – 92,000 €.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees and their family members with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply
Applications must have the following enclosures as a one single pdf file written in English:

1) A cover letter
2) An academic portfolio that is prepared according to the guidelines of the Faculty, see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/join-us/academic-p...
3) A research plan (max. 8 pages). The candidates are welcome to express their views about the scientific innovativeness of a highly collaborative kinetics laboratory in 5-10 years’ time.

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link “Apply for the position”.

Women and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications is May 16, 2021.

At the Faculty’s request, short-listed applicants should prepare to submit up to 10 publications of their choice to be sent to external assessors after the application period.

Further information
Further information may be obtained:

• About the position and operational environment from Professor Heikki Tenhu, Head of the Department of Chemistry, heikki.tenhu(at)helsinki.fi
• About the recruitment process, tenure track model and academic portfolio: HR Specialist Mr. Jussi Hartikainen (jussi.a.hartikainen(at)helsinki.fi)