The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university that offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. University of Turku is extending its research to materials and mechanical engineering, and from the beginning of 2021, a Faculty of Technology was started and with Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and a new research position in that field is now opened.

We are looking for a doctoral candidate / project researcher in the field of metal complex mediated hydrogen evolution and chemical manufacturing to join the group lead by Assoc. Prof. Pekka Peljo. The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 15.8.2022, or as soon as possible according to mutual agreement.

The duration of the employment relationship for a doctoral student / project researcher is 4 years. Candidates who will graduate soon (master students) or are willing to make MSc thesis as part of the project are also encouraged to apply. In this case, the title is Research Assistant and the duration of the contract is 6 months.

Do you want to be part of the team to develop and understand next generation energy storage technologies combined with hydrogen and green chemical generation? Do you have hands on experience in inorganic solution chemistry, electrochemistry, and/or redox flow batteries? Or experience in electronics, programming and robotics? Are you searching for an opportunity to use your knowledge and develop your competence further?

The research group of Battery Materials and Technologies of University of Turku is looking for a doctoral candidate to join our group lead by Prof. Pekka Peljo. This group is one of the largest European groups focusing on electrochemistry of flow batteries, with 7-8 doctoral candidates and 3 postdoctoral researchers. We focus mostly on flow batteries, including solid boosters, biphasic and bipolar systems, and we are developing methods to automatize our measurements by utilizing robotics. The group is very international, and we work closely with e.g. with organic and computational chemists in both Finland and Europe. The ERC funding we receive shows that our research is world-class. This project requires active collaboration between the partner organizations.

You would take a part on a Horizon Europe funded project to develop metal complexes for mediating hydrogen evolution and chemical generation reactions. The aim is to realize a system capable of both energy storage, hydrogen generation as well as synthesis of green chemicals. The project is part of a Horizon Europe project coordinated by us, with the tasks divided by 6 universities and two SMEs.In this position, you would have an exciting opportunity to mix inorganic solution chemistry, electrochemistry, physical chemistry and flow batteries. Or electrochemistry, programming and robotics. Participating in this project gives you also possibilities to grow your international network, since the group has numerous international contacts and projects.

Requirements

The position requires an active approach, diligence and cooperation skills, as well as experience in laboratory work and an excellent master's degree in, for example, in Chemistry or related field (Material Science or Physics), or in electronics, programming or automation.

We appreciate (note that the applicant does not need to have all the following knowledge and skills):

• Knowledge or interest in electrochemistry
• Good knowledge of physical chemistry or organic chemistry
• Good knowledge of electronics, programming and robotics
• Interest in automatization of synthesis and measurements
• Experience on flow batteries, inorganic synthesis or organic synthesis
• Excellent grades from the earlier studies

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of doctoral candidate is required to have a higher university degree. In addition, when acquiring his or her degree or otherwise, he or she is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan. The degree must be completed before the end of the application period. In this position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies (in this case Autumn 2022) in University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria. In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English.

Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required in the positions.

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a doctoral candidate/project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2200 - 2400 €/month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for the doctoral student/project researcher. If a research assistant is hired for the position, the salary is the beginning of the employment be approximately 2000 €/month. There is a three (3) month trial period for the research assistant.

Applications must be submitted by 31^st of July 2022 (23:59), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). Applications should include CV, a publication list, degree diplomas with transcripts of records, and motivation letter. Please provide also the names and contact details of two professional references on your motivation letter. In your application, you can tell more detail about your studies, future study plans and suitability for the research project.

For further information contact Associate professor Pekka Peljo (pekka.peljo(at)utu.fi).