The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 looking for
Doctoral Researchers (2 positions)
interested in energy system studies, with a focus on challenges of decarbonization from environmental and business perspectives. The positions are available at the Martti Ahtisaari Institute (MAI) at the Oulu Business School (OBS), and the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3) at the Faculty of Technology (TTK). Both positions are fully funded for three years and part of the DSOFlex project funded by the Research Council of Finland.
About the job
As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct scientific research and perform post-graduate studies to achieve a doctoral degree. You will also participate actively in teaching and supervision activities at the MSc level.
The DSOflex project (DSOs facilitating energy transition – The carbon handprint of flexibility) addresses the critical role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) enabling a sustainable, flexible, and inclusive energy transition. DSOs face increasing pressure to manage local grid constraints while supporting system-wide decarbonization. The project investigates how DSOs can facilitate flexibility services and contribute to the creation of carbon handprint. The project is carried out in collaboration with VTT and the University of Oulu, OBS/MAIGBE and TTK/WE3 units. Please find project info here.
Position 1: Business model framework
In this research, you will develop a holistic platform-based business model framework to capture and analyse DSOs' flexibility services and carbon handprint.
Researcher 1 will join the DSOflex project as part of the Martti Ahtisaari Institute. Research in the Martti Ahtisaari Institute focuses on businesses in the context of future technologies.
Position 2: Carbon handprint
In this research, you will define and quantify the positive environmental impact of DSOs' operations and services, in terms of carbon handprint. This could be resulting from DSO-facilitated integration of VRES and storage solutions, as well as from facilitating demand-side management and flexibility services. You will also be applying machine learning and optimization to enhance DSM to improve prediction accuracy for VRES and the carbon intensity of electricity.
Researcher 2 will join the DSOflex project as part of the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group. The energy group's research supports the transition to sustainable and carbon-neutral energy systems. We focus on decarbonising the energy system and the environmental impacts and social justice of the transition process.
What we offer
- The support of an enthusiastic team of over 100 researchers in the OBS and WE3 Research Units, 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 your 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?
In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we require from you:
Position 1 (Business model framework):
- Master's degree in business/management, environmental studies, or engineering. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
- An initial research plan
- Ability and motivation for doctoral studies
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)
Position 2 (Carbon handprint):
- Master's degree in energy or environmental engineering. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
- At least 30 ECTS worth of studies in relevant subjects (energy, environment, sustainability)
- Good understanding of the working of the power system and its domains in Finland
- Good IT skills, as this will be mainly a desktop research project
- An initial research plan
- Ability and motivation for doctoral studies
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)
We also appreciate if you have at least one of the following:
Position 1 (Business model framework):
- Experience or prior research or studies with a focus on business models, digital platforms, or sustainability. Specifically, we appreciate experience in the energy system context.
Position 2 (Carbon handprint):
- Prior research, studies, or experience in demand side management
- Experience using energy system or dynamic scenario modelling tools
- Prior research, studies, or experience in carbon footprint/handprint and sustainability issues
Salary
The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 17.8.2026 (or as agreed).
The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand 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. 2500-2800 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.
How to apply?
Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.6.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.
The application should be written in English and include the following (documents preferably in pdf):
- Motivation letter including the content outlined below
- CV containing also a list of publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
- An initial research plan
- Contact information of two persons available for recommendation
In the motivation letter, applicants should briefly outline the relevant contents of their master's degree, including key courses or areas of specialization, particularly in relation to the requirements of the applied position. Please also indicate academic performance during master's studies (e.g. GPA or equivalent metric). This information will be used to assess suitability for the position.
The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions, please contact:
Position 1 (Business model framework): Prof. Petri Ahokangas, Martti Ahtisaari Institute, petri.ahokangas(at)oulu.fi
Position 2 (Carbon handprint): Prof. Eva Pongrácz, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering, eva.pongracz(at)oulu.fi
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 2
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2026/399
Published: 2026-06-08
Last application date: 2026-06-30
