The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education´s to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.
We are now looking for
A Doctoral researcher in Sustainable Salinity Gradient Energy for Power Generation and Process Optimization
to join us in the Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research unit at the Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu.
ECE research group provides new scientific knowledge for development and design of environmentally benign and sustainable materials, unit operations and production process. Core competence areas are catalysis, separation processes, modelling, and design of sustainable unit operations and processes.
About the job
As a doctoral researcher, you will carry out research work within a small research team in the field of membrane-based processes for blue energy harvesting (SGE power), publish research results in the most esteemed international fora, attend doctoral courses, participate in teaching and complete your doctoral thesis. We are especially looking for individuals focused on the membrane application, process design, modelling and simulation of membrane-based osmotic process.
You should possess knowledge at least in the following areas:
- Chemical engineering, membrane separation technology, process control and design
- programming skill using Matlab/Phyton/C++ or equivalent
- Process design and simulation in Aspen /Hysys and process optimization
- Design of experiment (DoE), AutoCAD and equivalent
- Sustainability assessment (e.g., Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) and/or multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA))
What we offer?
- The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of X people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
- Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
- Development and career options of the big organization.
- 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.
- We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
- Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.
Who are you?
The potential Doctoral Researcher is expected to possess:
- a master’s degree in chemical engineering, polymer engineering, Science/Engineering (or other applicable equivalent master’s degrees) completed with very good standing and research record.
- experience in process control, process design and simulation
- experience in Aspen, Hysis, Matlab, Phyton, DoE and other related simulation tools
- familiar with Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)
- strong fundamental knowledge on membrane separation processes such as pressure-driven and osmotically driven membranes
- OR/AND fundamental knowledge on osmotic power
- OR/AND fundamental knowledge of polymeric-based membrane applications
- See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- IT skills, communication skills etc.
We also appreciate
- Finnish language skills
- prior experience in membrane- based process modeling and simulation is highly valued
- strong motivation, work efficiency and critical thinking skills for research in academia
- capability to write scientific publications based on the results achieved during doctoral studies
- readiness for demanding challenges
- co-operation and team working skills
Salary
The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.
How to apply?
Interested? If yes, please apply by 24.06.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.
The application should be written in English and include the following:
- Cover letter
- CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
- Certificates/Diplomas
- Contact information of two persons available for recommendation
The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions, please contact [Docent, Nora Jullok, Faculty of Technology, Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) research unit, [email protected], tel.+358504686891]
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100 %
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2025/401
Contact: - Nora Jullok, +358504686891
- Esa Ilmari Muurinen, +358294482363
Published: 2025-06-10
Last application date: 2025-06-24
