Senior research fellow in hydrological modelling

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for a 

Senior Research Fellow

in hydrology/hydrological modelling/digital water research to join us in Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology.

We are looking for a talented scientist with a strong background in research, project development, innovations, early career supervision and leadership with excellent knowledge on hydrological modelling and its various applications. You will work in a strong team that focuses on digitalization in hydrology, water research and management using and developing different types of modelling approaches in hydrology. We encourage visionary researchers with different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, at the Faculty of Technology, carries out research on land, water and energy systems and their interaction. Climate change, environmental degradation and energy transition are societal challenges motivating research to find sustainable solutions. Our water research team has 70 researchers in 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, groundwater research, water quality, water management, water supply, treatment, and protection. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and super sites in the Finnish Arctic with a unique and developing infrastructure. We are active in interdisciplinary studies in Finland and different regions abroad, with studies on climate, land, energy and water analysis, modelling and management. We lead a large scale and long-term Finnish research and impact Flagship on Digital Waters to which this position is linked.

Job description

You will work in the Digital Waters Flagship research area, developing its research and innovation actions, in collaboration with different international and national research projects and partners. The work includes assisting the Flagship in project management and project development team. You will also supervise doctoral researchers in collaboration with other senior staff and professors. We expect active participation in external research funding applications to further develop our water and modelling teams. Some teaching and supervision of masters students can also be considered. 

To succeed in the position, you are required to have:

• Doctoral degree in water resources engineering, hydrology, geosciences, or environmental science or equivalent experience
• Excellent skills in project management, project development and team work involving experienced and early career scientists and stakeholders
• Experience in supervision of students and doctoral researchers
• Fundraising experience from competitive funding bodies
• Project leadership experience
• International experience and networking skills
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Strong experience in scientific writing and communication

We also appreciate the following know-how and experience in:

• Strong background in different computational and numerical methods in hydrology and water resources engineering and/or water resources management
• Experience in the use of information technology such as development of digital tools and twins
• Programming and scripting skills and experience with developing and maintaining large scientific codes
• Experience in handling large observational and/or modelling datasets
• Knowledge of Finnish language is an advantage.

When fulfilling a position of a Senior Research Fellow, the following criteria are evaluated:

• Scientific activities and their reflection in the publication record, scientific presentations and other recognitions, e.g. awards and patents
• Teaching activities and their evaluation (teaching portfolio; including students' evaluation)
• Supervision of diploma and doctoral students
• Acquisition of competitive research funds
• International scientific activities and contacts
• Services for the academic community
• Academic and societal relevance and potential of activities

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position being part of a large digital water research cluster. You will be part in strong group in water and hydrological research in Finland and you have the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. As a starting package, we plan to link PhDs and/or postdoctoral researchers to the position to support your research activities and career development. You will also have access to our unique infrastructure where new studies can be initiated in collaboration with our team members.

University of Oulu offers

• Possibilities for flexible work via well-established practices and agreements for flexible working hours, part-time working and teleworking.
• A wide variety of support services allowing you to focus on your research and career development.
• A competitive salary paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 5 years as of 1.8.2024 or as agreed.

The salary will be based on the level 6-7 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical monthly salary for a Senior Research Fellow is 4600 - 5200 € (before taxes). 

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on May 10th, 2024 (23:59 Finnish time). The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A letter of motivation with contact information (1-2 pages),
2. Curriculum vitae (max 6 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Brief account of teaching merits or a teaching portfolio
5. Brief account of research merits linked to this position (max 2 pages)
6. Research plan (about 4 pages)
7. A copy of the applicant’s Doctoral and Master of Science degree diplomas, or, if not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date.
8. Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the expected research profile may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information

The duration of the fixed-term position is 5 years with a possibility of continuation, beginning on 1st of June 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Further details are available from

Professor Bjørn Kløve, bjorn.klove(at)oulu.fi

1. Björn Klöve, 0405944514