Two Doctoral researchers, Materials and mechanical engineering

PhD At University of Oulu, Finland

The North changes the world – we at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent, and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

We are now looking for two highly motivated Doctoral Researchers to contribute to a research project on advanced steels for a green planet and hydrogen society. Future steel design needs to focus on developing/modifying compositions and processing routes to generate steels for demanding conditions, especially for the presence of hydrogen. To facilitate this, the interactions and mechanical behavior with hydrogen in the current state-of-art advanced high-strength steels must be understood.

The research is expected to focus on fundamental understanding of hydrogen embrittlement in advanced ultrahigh-strength steels, and testing and characterization of hydrogen-steel interactions. More specifically, various modes of deformation mechanisms, e.g., transformation-induced plasticity introduced through novel composition design and microstructural modification, are of especial interest.

Chosen candidates will get to relate microstructural properties to diffusion and trapping of hydrogen, see how it affects the deformation and damage process and the resulting mechanical performance, and combine these to join in development of novel hydrogen-resistant high-strength steels.

The research group

The positions are in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit (MME) of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Oulu. MME is a key part of the Centre for Advanced Steels Research (CASR) and is in the centre of the University of Oulu profiling area “Hydrogen future and Sustainable steel”, see https://www.oulu.fi/casr/. In the research unit, there are five professors and three emeritus professors focusing on the production, properties and applications of steels and steel products as well as design and modelling of machines. There are also twelve teachers to help fulfil the undergraduate teaching requirements, see https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-technology/materials-and-mechanical-engineering. In addition, there are four postdoc researchers, twenty-six doctoral researchers, six other researchers, and eight laboratory staff members.

Qualification requirements

The successful candidates are expected to conduct high-level research in the above-mentioned field. The positions are for persons who have recently finished their master’s degree and who are advancing towards a professional research career. The selection criteria are the following:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Materials Science and Engineering)
  • Familiarity with microstructural characterisation, electrochemical testing, hydrogen embrittlement, and/or mechanical testing – preferably with demonstrated experience
  • Familiarity with microstructural deformation and fatigue behaviour of steels is a big plus
  • The successful candidate should have at least 2 years research / work experience in the field
  • Research publications related to the topic
  • Fluency in English (both writing and speaking)
  • Positive mindset and ability to interact with people from various backgrounds.

What we offer

  • We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems
  • University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research
  • In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, affordable sport services, and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences
  • Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus each summer

The successful candidate will also receive benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, for example possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with children, and affordable high-quality childcare services.

Salary

The salary is in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system (for teaching and research personnel): level 2. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2500€ per month (before taxes).

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by September 30th, 2022 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English, and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans are valuable

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)     List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/

4)     A research plan, approx. 3 pages (optional), on the topic area of this call, in English, detailing:

-          Basis from existing research the applicant links to this research work

-          Interesting focus areas in the research from the applicant point of view

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

6)     Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Further information

The positions are fixed-term for 4 years starting in November 2022, or as agreed. A trial period of six months is applied in the position.

For further information, please contact

Professor Jukka Kömi, Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Technology,

tel. +358 (0)29 448 2123,

email: jukka.komi(at)oulu.fi

Postdoctoral Researcher Vahid Javaheri, Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Technology tel. +358 505011881  email: vahid.javaheri(at)oulu.fi

Apply for the job