The North changes the world – 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.

We are now looking for a highly competent and motivated

Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering

to join the Vehicle and Mobile Machinery Engineering research team at the University of Oulu. You will focus in developing technologies to support the development of future autonomous heavy equipment. You show expertise in some of the following research areas: application of engineering mechanics in mechanical engineering, vehicle dynamics, power transmission solutions, traffic safety of heavy vehicles, or knowledge of engine technology.

The position is located in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit (MME) of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Oulu. The Faculty of Technology has a total of 35 professors, who are located in Oulu School of Architecture, Oulu Mining School, and in the following research units: Sustainable Chemistry, Chemical Process Engineering, Fibre and Particle Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Engineering, Process Metallurgy, Structures and Construction Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Environmental and Chemical Engineering and Intelligent Machines and Systems.

MME is a key part of the Centre for Advanced Steels Research (CASR) and is of the profiling areas at the University of Oulu, see https://www.oulu.fi/casr/. In the research unit, there are six professors and three emeritus professors focusing on the production, properties, applications of steels and steel products as well as design and modelling of machines. There are also twelve teachers to help fulfil the undergraduate teaching requirements, see https://www.oulu.fi/mechanicalengineering/researchgroups. In addition, there are four post doc researchers, twenty-six doctoral researchers, six other researcher and eight laboratory staff.

Vehicles and mobile machines engineering research team has currently one professor and six researchers, some of whom are PhD students. In addition to the research laboratories of the faculty, the vehicle and mobile machinery engineering research team has a heavy truck, tire force measurement trailer and different kinds of research and measuring equipment. The research unit also has access to a fully equipped containerized engine testing cell in Oulu. The research group has well-established connections with the heavy equipment and marine industry both inside Finland and internationally.

Job description

You will carry out your research and education in the area of vehicle and mobile machinery engineering. You will conduct research, publish in leading international journals, supervise doctoral students and be an active member of the international scientific community. You assist the group in acquiring external funding and pursue academic collaboration both within University of Oulu and external research partners. You are active in building a collaborative effort within the university towards the development of autonomous and smart technologies related to road traffic and mobile machinery. In addition, you take part in developing the teaching activities in the research group.

What we expect

Our tenure track is positioned for exceptionally talented researchers with a high potential to advance in their careers. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score), in order to be recruited.

Qualifications for an Assistant Professor position: We expect you to have an applicable doctoral degree, the ability to work independently and teaching skills relevant for the position. In order to qualify as an Assistant Professor, your doctoral degree has been received a maximum of ten years ago.

Qualifications for an Associate Professor position: We expect you to have an applicable doctoral degree as well as evidence of scientific research work and the teaching skills required in the position. You must have the ability to lead a research group and acquire supplementary research funding. We also expect you to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation.

Industrial experience and industrial contact networks are considered as merits. The position requires excellent spoken and written English. Proficiency in Finnish will be considered as an advantage.

Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website.

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position in the Faculty of Technology and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. On tenure track, you have a guaranteed opportunity to advance your career through external evaluations at regular intervals. Furthermore, we offer the development opportunities of a big organisation with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services. Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.

Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. The city is also known for its highly educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Oulu enjoys the high standard of living Finland is known for, while the cost of living is still affordable in national comparison. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu

Salary

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 for an assistant professor and on the levels 6-7 for an associate professor 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). The EUR salary will be approximately €3500-5500 per month.

Applications and selection process

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by Sunday, 16^th of May 2021. The application should be written in English and the following information needs to be included:

1)    A letter of motivation with contact information, stating the career level on which you would like to be evaluated at

2)    Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)    List of publications following 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)    Brief account of research merits (max 1 page)

5)    Brief account of teaching merits or a teaching portfolio (max 2 pages)

6)    Details regarding acquisition of research funds (max 2 pages)

7)    A brief research and action plan (max 3 pages)

8)    Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation.

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation.

The position of an Assistant or Associate Professor is initially a fixed-term position for five years with potential for extension after an evaluation.

The position is filled as of 1^st of October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Further information

Further details are available from professor Juho Könnö, juho.konno@oulu.fi, +358 50 343 5385.