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The Electrical Engineering unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences in the Tampere University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the field synthesis, characterization, and application of fully printed biodegradable supercapacitors.

Job description

We are excited to announce an opening for a motivated Doctoral Researcher to work on biodegradable supercapacitors at the Laboratory for Future Electronics (LFE). The aim is to develop high-performance green electronics using sustainable materials and processes and demonstrate their use in wireless sensor nodes. 

The successful candidate will carry out research on the synthesis, characterization, and application of fully printed biodegradable supercapacitors which combine materials science, additive manufacturing, and environmental sustainability to create a new generation of energy storage devices as part of the candidate’s doctoral studies.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research on the synthesis of biodegradable supercapacitor materials (e.g., current collector, electrode, electrolyte, substrate, and separator).
• Utilize state-of-the-art 3D printing techniques for device fabrication.
• Characterize the synthesized materials using TEM, SEM, XPS, BET, TGA, XRD, Raman etc. and devices through various electroanalytical techniques (CV, GCD and EIS).
• Provide regular project status updates (through presentations) and reports to project partners. 
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to explore real-world applications.
• Publish research findings in reputable scientific journals.
• Present research results at international conferences.

Requirements: 

For the position, we require

• Applicable Master's degree (electrochemistry, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or related field)
• Possess hands-on lab experience in the synthesis of materials.
• A genuine passion for sustainable technology and innovation.
• Proficient problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills.
• An aptitude for both independent work and collaborative teamwork.
• Motivation and ability to complete doctoral studies.
• Good command of English language 

The following will also be taken into account as advantages in the selection process:

• Previous expertise in printed electronics
• Previous experience in 3D printing and Solidworks 
• Ability to write and publish high-quality research papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Expertise in materials synthesis and characterization, particularly in the domain of energy storage devices. 

The recruited candidate needs to apply for and be granted a study right for a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Computing and Electrical Engineering.

We offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period till 31.8.2026 . The starting date is 1.2.2024 or as mutually agreed. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2—4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2700 EUR/month.

Laboratory for Future Electronics

LFE investigates technologies and solutions related to energy-autonomy (storage and harvesting), sensors, conformably wearable electronics (soft/stretchable, on-skin, textile), and hybrid system integration. Strong emphasis is placed on scalable, low-cost manufacturing methods such as printing as well as the integration of printed components and circuits with more conventional component assembly methods. LFE explores new device and circuit approaches based on printable organic and metal oxide semiconductors.

LFE is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for flexible and thin-film electronics, including a wide range of precision printing machines, an integrated inert environment cluster tool incorporating printing, coating, vacuum evaporation, ALD and characterization, and a full range of characterization tools. 

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as a flexible work schedule, good facilities for teleworking, occupational healthcare services, a variety of affordable food and drink outlets across our campuses and a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground

Tampere, located between two big lakes, is Finland’s second largest city area and the biggest inland city in the Nordic countries. The nature is close everywhere you turn your head in Tampere. This together with a strong tradition in industry make Tampere a unique environment for living and working. At present the region hosts a great deal of industry and service businesses, and the City of Tampere is a major hub for the Finnish ICT industry. For more information on Tampere, please check VisitTampere, Welcome to Tampere and International House Tampere.

Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security in the world. It includes for example sickness benefits, various family benefits and a comprehensive healthcare system. For more information on Finland, please check InfoFinland and This is Finland.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 7 December 2023 (at 23:59 EST / 21:59 UTC). 

Applications should include the following documents in English and in in PDF-format:

• Curriculum Vitae  (including list of publications )
• Degree certificates and study transcript for master's degree studies in original language. If original language is other than Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages.
• At least one reference
• Motivation letter (incl. research interests): 
  • 1 to maximum 2 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications. 

For more information, please contact: 

• Prof. Matti Mäntysalo
• Tampere University
• Laboratory for Future Electronics
• matti.mantysalo@tuni.fi

• Dr. Chirag Mevada
• Tampere University
• Laboratory for Future Electronics
• Chirag.mevada@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tehtävänkuvaus

Meillä on avoinna väitöskirjatutkijan tehtävä Laboratory for Future Electronics (LFE) -tutkimusryhmässä. Tehtävä sijoittuu Sähkötekniikan yksikköön Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunnassa . 

Tehtävään valittu henkilö toimii tutkimusryhmän projekteissa.  Tutkimus sisältää painettujen biohajoavien superkondensaattorimateriaalien synteesin, karakterisoinnin ja sovellukset osana hakijan väitöskirjatutkimusta. 

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävistä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisessä ilmoituksessa. Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika päättyy 7.12.2023, klo 23:59