Postdoctoral researcher in building stock energy efficiency

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in building stock energy efficiency, for a 3-year position.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research to assess and enhance the energy efficiency and overall sustainability of the Finnish building stock. A more detailed research topic will be defined together with the postdoctoral researcher based on the applicant’s research plan Syke’s needs in this research area. The research is expected to use quantitative methods and, at least in part, available official data and databases maintained by Syke. A postdoc researcher typically also works as a project manager and participates in funding applications.

This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes. The Programme has been granted 40 million euros in funding based on the Finnish government's multi-annual research and development (R&D) funding plan. This funding enables recruitment of 85 PhD-level experts to 12 Finnish government research institutes between 2025 and 2028. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen RDI competence in areas important to society. Postdoctoral researcher will conduct goal-oriented high-level research at the interface between the academic community, industry and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.

The task will be positioned to Built Environment Solutions Unit. Syke maintains offices in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu, providing flexibility for the location of this role. You can express your wish concerning the office location. We work in an open space office and activity-based environment, but flexible remote working is our working standard today.

Our expectations of the applicant

A successful applicant will have a doctoral degree in building design, construction, energy performance of buildings, energy technology, civil engineering, or related field. Eligible applicant will also have experience of building and/or building stock energy assessment, and strong knowledge of quantitative research methods. Furthermore, some knowledge of EU energy regulation regarding buildings and building stock, and understanding of cold climate building characteristics and design principles, will be highly appreciated. Experience in data analytics and policy analyses capabilities would also be considered an asset.

As part of the application process, applicant is expected to send us 1-2 page long research proposal describing the research work applicant would be carrying out in this position. Potential research tasks could include for example:
- Assessment of the overall sustainability of the energy efficiency level of the Finnish building stock
- Development of sustainability transition pathways for the Finnish building stock in cooperation with companies and other stakeholders
- Developing the use of Finnish Environment Institute’s models and databases in academic research work
- Intelligent energy management systems in buildings and the monitoring, control and optimization solutions they enable
- Best practices for energy renovations in typical Finnish buildings
- Policy analyses for building energy efficiency policy instruments
- Impact analysis of multiple concurrent energy sources for heating and cooling
- Links between buildings’ energy use and production and electricity markets

A Post Doc level researcher has completed their PhD within the last 10 years and has a minimum of 5 years of research work experience (including prior to completing the PhD and after it). They master research methods in their own field and have an ability to work as a researcher relatively independently.

A person who has received permission to defend their dissertation before submitting the application can also be selected for the position. A person already working at the research institute can also be selected for the position. This postdoc position can be filled by a younger researcher who has recently completed their doctorate, or a more experienced researcher who has already conducted independent research work, e.g. via leading small projects. A person's experience affects the determination of salary.

Personal qualities required for the role include an ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and in an applied research context. Good communication and networking skills are valued as well.

You need excellent English skills in the task.

Language skills needed in the position

• English
  • Speaking: Excellent
  • Writing: Excellent
  • Understanding: Excellent

We offer youSyke has a culture that supports learning and offers the opportunity for versatile competence development. We have flexible working hours and flexible remote working practices in Finland. In addition to a collective ways of doing research and supervision from the manager. We offer sports and culture benefits, a subsidised lunch in contract canteens and comprehensive occupational health care.

Clarifications

The person selected for the position might need to undergo concise security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Contact Information

Janne Pesu, Group manager
+358 29 525 1405
janne.pesu@syke.fi
(Available at November 11th 9-11 and November 14th 9-11)

Marko Tainio, Unit director
+358 29 525 2127
marko.tainio@syke.fi
(Available at November 11th 14-16 and November 12th 14-16)

How to apply

Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.

Organisation

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) supports the building of a sustainable society with research, information, and services. We bear global responsibility and ambitiously seek to make an impact. Our objective is sustainability transformation! The society needs immediate decisions to build a better world fairly and cross-generationally. We offer our expertise for this change.

We are working to stop biodiversity loss and climate change. We promote a sustainable circular economy and urban structure, as well as a good state of the seas and inland waters. Our search for new, research-based solutions is creative and enthusiastic. We value constructive teamwork and the diversity of our work community: we invest in equality. Syke is a state research institute with 700 experts and researchers working in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. Our research is largely funded through competitive research funding instruments.

Location
Oulu, Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä