Turku region with its 320,000 people, former capital and a major urban area in Finland, is located in the southwestern Finland. A leading hub for technological development and economical growth, Turku has a rich cultural history and is the gateway to a most beautiful archipelago.

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. The University of Turku is ranked in the top 1 % of universities in the world.

The University of Turku is expanding its technical research and education when automation engineering education is starting its operations in Autumn 2023. We are now looking for an innovative university lecturer and university teacher in the field of automation engineering to join us in building a new strategic area of competence at the University of Turku. We are ambitious in terms of both research and teaching, and with us you can challenge yourself and create something new. We offer an encouraging and supportive community.

The University of Turku is looking for 1 university lecturer and 1 university teacher position for automation engineering with the specialization in electromechanical systems or embedded / programmable logic controllers. The tasks are located at the Faculty of Technology's Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, unit of Mechanical Engineering. The positions will be filled starting from 01.06.2023 or upon mutual agreement; and are valid until further notice.

Both positions include duties related to teaching automation engineering subjects, guiding students, and scientific research. In this position, we are looking for a teaching person to strengthen the teaching of automation technology (e.g. seminars, project work and practice work). We actively develop our teaching and train the support staff working on the courses in their duties. We are building a versatile team for automation engineering and, for example, experience in teacher training, research outputs and industrial background related to automation, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, multidisciplinary cooperation or communication is an advantage. Those selected for the positions are expected to be ready to participate in other tasks as well, if necessary.

Both positions include duties related to teaching in new BSc and MSc automation engineering programs. Duties will include teaching in some courses of the new programs:

Automation engineering MSc program

• Artificial intelligence-based control
• Automation practice project
• Basics of control theory
• Basics of digital control automation
• Electrical machine design for applications in industry 4.0
• Electromechanical system modelling
• Model-based optimal control
• Sensors and actuators

And Automation engineering BSc program

• Fundamentals of Electric and Automation Engineering
• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Industrial Control Systems
• Power Electronics, Electric Drives, and motor
• Production Automation

The duties of a university lecturer include teaching automation engineering MSc courses and bachelor's courses. In addition, the tasks include supervision and guidance of MSc thesis and participation in guidance of PhD works, development of MSc. programs, research and other tasks set by the employer. The task also includes independent, high-level research, planning and implementation of research projects, and social interaction.

The duties of a university teacher include mainly teaching engineering BSc courses. In addition, the duties include supervision of the work of BSc and guidance of MSc candidates, development of the candidate program and other tasks set by the employer. Research and participation in the social interaction of the subject and the department is also expected.

Requirements

The language of instruction in bachelor's studies is Finnish and at the master's level and in postgraduate studies is English. The position of a university teacher requires fluent Finnish language skills both oral and written. Knowledge of the English language is considered an advantage.

University lecturer applicants who do not have Finnish language skills, but have a strong desire to learn Finnish, are very welcomed. A good command of the English language, both oral and written, is essential for the position of a university lecturer.

In both positions, knowledge of the Finnish study system and pedagogical studies are considered an advantage. The applicant is expected to show evidence of teaching experience, courses development, and strong evidence of scientific research work in related fields.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of University teacher is required to have an applicable higher university degree and good teaching skills. When assessing the merits of the applicants, extensive competence in the field in question, teacher training, the ability to produce study materials and the ability to provide multifaceted teaching as well as teaching demonstration will be taken into account. An appropriate doctoral degree and the ability to provide high-quality teaching based on research and to supervise theses are required of persons selected for the post of university lecturer. When assessing the merits of the applicants for the post of university lecturer, scholarly work, practical expertise in the field in question, teaching experience and pedagogical training, ability to produce study materials and use various teaching methods in teaching, other teaching merits, and a trial lecture will be taken into account.

When filling a positions, one important criterion is how the selected person strengthens the research profile of automation engineering. We require expert proficiency and practical experience related to at least 3 topics from the automation program curriculum courses.

Salary details

The salary is in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel levels 4–7 where task specific salary component is between 2628,85 – 4092,29 eur/month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal work performance component is 6%–50% of the task specific salary component. The levels are proposed by the review committee for each candidate.

The positions are subject to a six-month trial period.

How to apply?

The application period has been extended until 5th of May 2023. The applications we have already received are considered in the call.  

Applications must be submitted by Friday 5th of May, 2023 (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:

• a motivation letter (including research positioning),
• curriculum vitae and
• list of publications (including the names and contact details of two professional references),
• teaching and research plan at the University of Turku,
• copy of degree certificate
• and other documents that may affect the selection

Applications are evaluated by an international working group, so we require the application and attachments to be written in English.

For further information, please contact Head of department Jussi Kantola, jussi.kantola@utu.fi
and Associate Professor rafal.jastrzebski@utu.fi Questions related to the application process, please contact HR Specialist Sarian Kotka, sjkkot@utu.fi