项目介绍

2024年12月13日

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university offering interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. At the Faculty of Technology, the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering brings together experts in physics, chemistry and engineering in a drive towards innovative materials engineering for future technologies and key societal challenges.

We are looking for a doctoral researcher (or project researcher) in the field of battery diagnostics to join the research project of Academy Research Fellow Dr. Ulriika Mattinen. The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 1.2.2025, or as soon as possible according to mutual agreement and the contract duration will be until the end of the project 31.8.2027.

Candidates who will graduate soon (master students) or are willing to make a MSc thesis as part of the project are also encouraged to apply. In this case, the job title is research assistant and the duration of the contract is 6 months. In this case, after graduation, there is a possibility to continue as project researcher / doctoral researcher.

We are looking for a doctoral researcher/project researcher to develop an analytical detection set-up to measure aging and degradation related gas evolution in batteries. Chemical data, collected from inside the battery during their operation, can bring valuable insight to battery development and repurposing. During the project, commercial gas sensors are employed to collect the novel type of data from batteries, and the results will be validated with mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. An important part of the project is to design and build a measurement chamber, where the gas sensors will be in contact with the gases generated in batteries. Gas evolution will be studied in lithium- and sodium ion batteries as well as in redox flow batteries (RFB). The goal of the project is to accelerate battery research by designing an analytical methodology that enables the collection of gas evolution data from a statistically relevant number of batteries in operando, and to provide means to improve lifetime and the re-use of batteries.Apply between 11 December 2024 and 13 January 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

Requirements

The position requires a master’s degree carried out with good grades (e.g. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials engineering, Physics or other relevant field), an active approach to challenges and the ability to work independently and showing self-direction. You are diligent, analytical, able to self-reflect and have good cooperation and communication skills. You must be able to express yourself in English both orally and in written form. Skills in Finnish are considered as an asset, but not compulsory. We appreciate willingness to participate in teaching and other activities in our community, and we hope you have the desire to grow and develop further in your career.

Designing a measurement set-up involves solving many types of problems, so creative mind-set is an asset for the position.

For the position we appreciate knowledge and skills in (note that the applicant does not need to have all the following):

• Analytical chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Battery technology
• Experience and/or knowledge in gas sensors, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography
• Experience in working with gases
• Experience in set-up development

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of project researcher / doctoral researcher is required to have a higher university degree. In addition, a doctoral researcher is required to have demonstrated an ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

For the position of doctoral researcher, the degree must be completed before the end of the application period. In this position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies (in this Autumn 2025) in University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs/dpt/admission. In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

The Unit of Materials Engineering offers a young and dynamic working community with over 70 researchers from different nationalities. We support team players to reach their best potential and we provide the opportunity to grow and develop your professional skills in a diverse operating environment. We support your efforts for growth and development and we are committed to taking care of your well-being at work with e.g., regular, individual supervision meetings and the functionality of your daily life with e.g., flexible working hours and our welfare services. In the project, there is a possibility for international research exchange hosted by the project collaborators, as well as travel to conferences.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

• City of Turku
• Welcome visitor
• Career in Southwest Finland
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland – a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a doctoral researcher / project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2400-2500 €month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for the doctoral researcher/project researcher. If a research assistant is hired for the position, the salary will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2100 €/month. There is a three (3) month trial period for the research assistant.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by Monday 13th of January, 2025 (16:00 EET), 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,
• publication list,
• degree diplomas with transcripts of records,
• and a motivation letter. Please provide also the names and contact details of two professional references in your motivation letter. In your application, you can tell more details about your studies, future study plans, your thoughts and wishes for the supervision and your suitability for the research project.

Further information

For further information on the position contact Dr. Ulriika Mattinen (ulriika.mattinen(at)utu.fi).

For questions related to the application process, contact HR specialist Janna Salminen (janna.j.salminen(at)utu.fi)

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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