Doctoral Researcher for the topic “Nature-based water treatment systems in mining waters”

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 a

Doctoral researcher

to join the Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering Research Group under the supervision of Senior Research Fellow, Docent/Dr. Heini Postila and Senior Research Fellow Docent/Dr. Elisangela Heiderscheidt. The group is part of the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit at the Faculty of Technology. The research unit is at the forefront of water research in Finland and Europe and has just been awarded the flagship project “Digital Waters” by the Research Council of Finland. 

About the job

You will work on research tasks involved in the projects “Prowater” co-funded by the European Union via the Interreg Aurora and “RestMine” and “LuVe-JK” funded by Maa- ja Vesitekniikan tuki ry foundation. The project activities linked to this position focus on the use of industrial by-products as secondary sources of materials to be utilized in water treatment systems aiming at reducing aquatic pollution in mining-affected areas. Project tasks include e.g. mapping of available materials, designing, implementing and monitoring of in-situ pilot scale systems, data treatment and analysis (statistical methods) followed by system evaluation. The selected candidate will also investigate after-use material processing and the possibility of metal recovery. Besides practical fieldwork and data processing, doctoral tasks also include data visualization, writing of manuscripts, and presentation of the results in national and international meetings. In addition to research tasks, the doctoral researcher will carry out the required doctoral studies within the duration of the working contract. 

Who are you?

Assessment of the applicant’s qualifications will be based on the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in water resources or environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geotechnical engineering, geochemistry or civil engineering (or equivalent degree).
• Knowledge about water purification systems/processes with specific knowledge of mining water quality and/or treatment is seen as an advantage.
• Hands-on experience in environmental sampling (water, soil, etc.) and field measurements.
  Analysis of water quality data (e.g. statistical, modelling) is seen as an advantage
• Capability to do field work independently. A driving license is required.
• Oral and written communication skills in English. A fluent level is required.
• Finnish language skills (basics) can be as useful (communication with stakeholders)
  Students in the final year of their degree can apply if they graduate before January 1st, 2025.

The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of X people 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 position is fixed term for 4 years as of 1.3.2025 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2700 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.12.2024  (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Motivation letter
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

Applications sent by email will not be considered. 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

Dr. Heini Postila
heini.postila@oulu.fi, phone +358294484503
Docent in Nature-based water treatment systems in Arctic conditions
Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology