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 withit Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and new research positions in that field are now opened.

We are looking for 1-2 Postdoctoral researchers in the field of biphasic or bioinspired flow batteries in an ERC StG project, or to work on metal complex mediated hydrogen evolution and chemical synthesis in a Horizon Europe project

 The tasks are fixed-term and the starting time of the positions are 15.8.2022, or as soon as possible according to mutual agreement, and the duration of the employment relationships are 2 years.

Do you want to be part of the team to develop and understand next generation energy storage technologies? Do you have hands on experience in electrochemistry, and redox flow batteries? Are you searching for an opportunity to use your knowledge and develop your competence further?

The tasks relate to either the five-year EU-funded ERC Starting Grant research project or the new Horizon Europe project. In the project, you will be part of the Energy Storage Research Group. The research group of Battery Materials and Technologies of University of Turku is looking for 1-2 postdoctoral researchers to join our group lead by A. 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. You would take a part on a European ERC Starting grant funded project to develop next generation stationary energy storage.

In this position, you would have an exciting opportunity to mix electrochemistry, physical chemistry or organic synthesis and flow batteries. Participating in this project gives you also possibilities to grow your network, since the group has numerous international contacts and projects.

In this ERC project we will develop new types of flow batteries, utilizing liquid-liquid interfaces. In the Horizon Europe project, we will 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. This project requires active collaboration between the partner organizations.

 Requirements

The positions require an active approach, diligence and cooperation skills, as well as experience in laboratory work and an excellent PhD degree in, for example, in Chemistry or related field (Material Science or Physics or Electrical Engineering).

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
• Experience on flow batteries and biphasic systems

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. The degree must be completed before the end of the application period.

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 postdoctoral researcher, the salary is at levels 4-6 on the job demands chart, where the task-specific salary component is 2628,85 - 3549,72 euros per month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid in all of the positions. The personal performance component is 6% – 50% of the task-specific base salary. In the beginning of the employment the salary will be approximately 3300 - 3500 €/month

There is a trial period of six (6) months.

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).