Research Director, Sustainable Energy Business, Kerttu Saalasti Institute

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 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 applying to the University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute

RESEARCH DIRECTOR, Sustainable Energy Business

For an employment relationship valid until further notice, starting in June 2025 or as agreed.

The Kerttu Saalasti Institute at the University of Oulu produces research, expertise and solutions that have an impact on society. Our current research areas are micro-entrepreneurship, regional excellence and future manufacturing technologies. The position of Research Director is related to the launch of a new research area in the competence area of sustainable energy business.

The activities of the research area will be launched with EU funding through Value-added Sustainable Energy Business project, which will be managed by the future Research Director. Linking global value chains and Finnish ecosystems is a key way to achieve new competitiveness, employment and sustainable growth. The aim of the project is to create a knowledge base, operating models and tools that support the optimisation of green transition value chains and promote regional, national and international cooperation.

Workplace

As a Research Director

• You will be responsible for defining and building the direction of a new field of research in cooperation with the researchers recruited to the competence area and in cooperation with other research groups.
• you will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Value Added Sustainable Energy Business project in cooperation with the project manager and the rest of the project team.
• you will be responsible for creating the conditions for the continuity of operations in terms of development, economy and societal impact in cooperation with the members of the project team, the management of the institute, companies and other stakeholders, as well as the faculties of the University of Oulu, Finnish and international universities and research organisations.
• As a member of the management team, you will participate in the development of the institute's operations and cooperation between research groups.

What do we offer?

• Support from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic work community where you can develop and share your expertise.
• We support both your career development and work-life balance, e.g. by offering flexibility in the organisation of work (including flexible working hours, multi-location work, etc.). It is possible to carry out the task from Oulu or Nivala, for example, or to a significant extent remotely from Finland. We support multi-location work.
• The university offers clear development and career opportunities.
• You have access to sports, culture and well-being benefits (ePassi). Read more about our other employee benefits.
• We offer meaningful work and a culture where you have the freedom to combine work and other aspects of life. More information about working at the University of Oulu.
•  If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to Finland. Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling in Finland. We also offer support for Finnish studies.

What are we looking for?

To succeed and enjoy the position, we require from you

• a doctoral degree in an applicable field of research (e.g. industrial engineering and management, energy technology, business studies or other related fields) or you are in the doctoral phase of your studies.
• vision for the development of new activities, executive capacity, and good leadership skills.
• evidence of research activities in the field.
• the ability to lead a research group, obtain funding and participate in networks in your field of expertise.
• fluent English language skills and Finnish language skills or readiness to acquire Finnish language skills. We provide support for language studies as an employer.

Salary

The position is valid until further notice from 15.6.2025 or as agreed.

The position is located at level 7 of the university's salary system for teaching and research staff. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, which is a maximum of 50% of the job-specific salary component. The salary in similar positions is typically around 5200-6000 euros per month. The position is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

How to apply?

If you are interested, please send your application through the recruitment system by 2.6.2025 at the latest. Include:

1. Motivation letter including the applicant's view on the content of the competence area of sustainable energy business and the launch of operations. (max. 2 pages, A4)
2. CV
3. List of publications
4. Other possible appendices

Candidates who are best suited for the position will be invited to an interview remotely or face-to-face. We will contact all applicants during the application process.

More info 

Director, Professor Matti Muhos, [email protected], +358400407590

Development Manager Eija-Riitta Niinikoski, [email protected], +358400919310