One Doctoral Researcher and one Postdoctoral Researcher in the Kvantum Institute Spearhead project in Inorganic Chemistry

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 looking for

One Doctoral Researcher and one Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Technology.

The Environmental and Chemical Engineering research unit combines the expertise of process and environmental engineering, control engineering and inorganic chemistry to reach new technological and material innovations towards cleaner and sustainable environment. The research unit is composed of about 50 scientists, and offers unique infrastructure and environment for the research.

About the job

The doctoral and postdoctoral positions are part of the Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project ''Towards Metal-Free Catalysis''. The advertised positions will be involved in the development of new concepts that combine main-group element and transition-metal chemistry aiming to access new catalysts for the activation of small molecules. The work includes organometallic synthesis, reactivity and catalysis studies as well as kinetic methods aiming to understand the reaction mechanisms. 

Required qualifications and assessment

The doctoral researcher must have completed an MSc degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related field. The selected person must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e., at least 60% of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis) and must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies. See more detailed requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School.

We expect you to have experience in either organometallic or main-group chemistry and spectroscopic characterisation techniques. We view it as a benefit if you are highly motivated, possess good communication, teamwork and organisational skills, as well as are capable of carrying out independent work. 

The postdoctoral researcher must have completed a doctoral degree in chemistry or a related field, within less than 10 years, and show a visible scientific profile. We expect you to have significant experience in synthetic chemistry method development, including Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques for inert synthesis; and characterisation techniques, e.g., NMR spectroscopy and single crystal XRD. Fluent English is required. Further, demonstrated potential in acquiring supplementary (extramural) funding, and teaching experience will be taken as a merit when choosing the scientist.

When assessing the applicant’s qualifications, issues to be considered include scientific publications, thesis supervision, activity in the scientific community, practical familiarity with the field in question, scientific work abroad, and other international activities. As part of the ECE Research Unit, the duties include supervising the scientific research of BSc, MSc and doctoral students, and acquiring research funding.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team 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.

Salary

The doctoral position is fixed-term for three years as of 01.01.2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on 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. 2500-2700 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

The postdoctoral position is fixed-term for four years as of 01.01.2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on level 5 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. 3700-4000 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 20.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages)
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. 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 Professor Daniela Bezuidenhout, ECE Research Unit, University of Oulu, email: daniela.bezuidenhout@oulu.fi

1. Daniela Ina Bezuidenhout,