Doctoral Researcher in Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project “Hybrid Panel Reactor for Direct Production and Separation of Solar Hydrogen - HYDRO”

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 standing in front of a new era of developing and utilizing clean energy sources to mitigate environmental, energy and geopolitical crisis. Among various source types, solar hydrogen outstands thanks to its production feasibility by harvesting solar irradiance, high volumetric energy density, and final harmless product after being burnt. However, solar hydrogen requires dedicated devices for its production. 

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher in photocatalytic reactor design and flow modeling

to join us in the Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) at the Faculty of Technology and Nano and Molecular Systems (NANOMO) research unit at the Faculty of Science.

The Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit 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, which are applied in variety of industrial and environmental sectors.  The main external funding sources are European programs, ERDF funds, Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds.

The NANOMO research unit focuses on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The research topics include electronic structure research in nanomaterials, functional materials (e.g. steel, carbon negative materials, and nanocatalysts), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon Europe programs, ERDF funds, Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron radiation facility, participates in the operation of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.

About the job

The position is defined by the Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project” Hybrid Panel Reactor for Direct Production and Separation of Solar Hydrogen - HYDRO”, which is dedicated to simultaneous photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and separation on hybrid panel reactors. The project is led by Prof. Wei Cao, Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen from NANOMO Unit, and Assoc. Prof. Satu Ojala, and Adj. Prof. Nora Jullok from ECE Unit.

The candidate will focus on computer-aided design (CAD), prototyping and flow modeling of photocatalytic reactor for solar hydrogen production. The design and engineering tasks are expected to be performed through liquid/gas flow simulations, prototype building using e.g. 3D printing, assembling and commissioning the reactors. The tasks of the candidate also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, obtaining course credits according to the doctoral training plan, and completing the doctoral degree in the due time.

What we offer?

• You will be a part of a highly talented research team dedicated to solar hydrogen production.
• Modern research facilities and support from your team and supervisors, so that you can excel in your research.
• 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 a 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, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Master’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related area.
• The degree must be completed with good grades, latest by the start of the employment.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team and independently.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

We also appreciate

• Experiences in computational fluid dynamics.
• Experience in computer assisted device design and 3D printing.
• Experience in planning and realization of DIY projects.
• Innovative mindset.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 01.01.2025 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 (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 27.10.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. List of publications based on the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English. In case the degree is still in process, please give an official notification from the supervisor or faculty to address the estimated date of finishing. 
5. 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:

• Assoc. Prof. Satu Ojala

Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit

satu.ojala@oulu.fi

• Adj. Prof. Nora Jullok

Environmental and Chemical Engineering (ECE) Research Unit

nora.jullok@oulu.fi

• Prof. Wei Cao 

FunMaters’ Group and Project Leader, NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

• Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen, vice head of NANOMO Unit

samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi