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Laboratory for Future Electronics at the Electrical Engineering Unit at the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences at Tampere University focuses on sustainable electronics materials and fabrication processes, flexible and stretchable electronics, self-powered sensor nodes, and heterogenous integration.   

We are excited to announce an opening for a motivated Doctoral Researcher to work on “Printed non-toxic bioderived and biodegradable supercapacitors for low-power wearable and farming applications (DR12)” as a part of the H2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the Europen Commission “Holistic integration of eco-Friendly design tools and materials, fabrication technologies for the responsible co-creation of future Sustainable integrated electronic systems (FERNS)” (grant agreement number 101226611). The network brings together 20 universities, research institutes, and industrial partners from eight countries. Our aim is to train the next generation of researchers in the implementation of eco-design approaches for the realization of sustainable electronics.

Job description:

We are now looking for a Doctoral Researcher to join the project and to grow into an expert in sustainable energy storage for low-power electronics applications. The aim of the work is to develop supercapacitor energy storage using porous carbons from biochar, greener chemical activation method, and develop environmentally friendly electrolytes. Work will focus on:

• Preparation, characterization, and optimization of porous carbon electrode ink for supercapacitor.
• Development of an environmentally friendly electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents
• Development of non-toxic bioderived supercapacitor cells and modules for low-power applications.
• Collaboration with the other colleagues across Tampere University, and with FERNS partners.

The job includes two secondments: RISE (6 months), Sweden, and InnoItaly (1 month), Italy.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research on the non-toxic bioderived and biodegradable supercapacitors based on printing technologies.
• Characterize the synthesized materials using e.g., BET, SEM, XPS, TGA, DSC, and FTIR and devices through various electroanalytical techniques like CV, GCD and EIS.
• Engage in the dissemination of the data through peer-reviewed scientific publications, report writing, and conference presentation.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Work as part of an international team with FERNS partners. 
• Undertake planned secondments with consortium partners.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Requirements: 

For the position, we require

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Theoretical and practical expertise in materials and characterization in the domain of supercapacitors or batteries. 
• Very good English language skills.
• Ability to write and publish high-quality research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to conduct systematic scientific research, and inquiring mind and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate clearly in multidisciplinary and international environment but also work and think independently.
• Ability to carry out the abovementioned secondments abroad as well as to travel to consortium meetings and international conferences.
• Successful applicant must not already hold a doctoral degree.

According to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) mobility rule, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered. The formal requirements need to met by the end of the application period (e.g., degree completion). The successful candidates need to apply for and be granted a study right for a doctoral degree in the doctoral program of the discipline at Tampere University. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

We offer:

The positions will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years. The starting date will be mutually agreed, but selected candidate is expected to start before April 2026. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be set in accordance with MSCA rates and the gross monthly salary in the employment contract is in Finland about 3800 EUR/month plus family allowance if applicable.

Access to world-class training, workshops, and conferences.

International, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility opportunities. 

Enrolment in a structured doctoral program.

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. International HR services offer their help with e.g. official issues in settling in Finland and Tampere. 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. 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 (link below). The closing date for applications has been extended till November 13, 2025 at 23:59:00 (EET / CET +2). Applications and all accompanying documentation must be in English.

The following documents should accompany your application:

• a CV/Resume (with a list of publications, if applicable)
• a free-form application letter outlining how you meet the criteria for this role (max. 1 page)
• Copy of degree certificates and transcript of records (M.Sc. and B.Sc. studies) in original language. If original language is other than Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages.
• other relevant documents that support your application (e.g. M.Sc. thesis, the most relevant publications regarding the call (max. 2), list of referees, etc.)

For questions and more information, please contact:

Professor Matti Mäntysalo matti.mantysalo (at) tuni.fi, +358 40 7576 800

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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

MSCA väitöskirjatutkija (painettu superkondensaattori)

TIIVISTELMÄ

Tampereen yliopiston informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunnan sähkötekniikan yksikkö on mukana Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network -projektissa ” Holistic integration of eco-Friendly design tools and materials, fabrication technologies for the responsible co-creation of future Sustainable integrated electronic systems (FERNS)”. Projektikonsortio muodostuu 20 yliopistosta, tutkimuslaitoksesta, ja yrityksestä ja sen tavoitteena on kouluttaa 15 tutkijaa. Tavoitteemme on kouluttaa seuraavan sukupolven tutkijoita ekosuunnittelun menetelmien soveltamiseen kestävän elektroniikan toteuttamiseksi.

Haemme väitöskirjatutkijaa työskentelemään ympäristöystävällisten painettujen superkondensaattorien kehittämiseen. Tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet löytyvät yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Hakuaika päättyy 13.11.2025 klo 23:59:00.