Research Specialist, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational, and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health, and society. www.tuni.fi/en

We are now looking for a Research Specialist for the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (ENS). 

The Faculty brings together extensive expertise in natural sciences and the major branches of engineering. We are renowned for our cutting-edge research activities that not only encompass basic research in natural sciences and applied research in the fields of engineering but also bring measurable added value to our industrial partners. ENS is made up of three units: Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, as well as Physics. The Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering Unit undertakes research in areas including automation, control and systems theory, hydraulics, industrial informatics, machine design and product development, mechatronics, production engineering and robotics. The Physics Unit carries out research in aerosol physics, computational physics and photonics. The Materials Science and Environmental Engineering Unit brings together expertise in bio- and circular economy, chemistry and advanced materials, and materials science.

Our research staff, 40% of which are non-Finnish nationals, have a consistently high success rate in securing major grants, which helps to steer our research and enhance the impact we deliver for society. We receive research funding from EU, Research Council of Finland, Business Finland as well as domestic and international companies, communities, and foundations. Supported by our state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, our internationally recognized staff carry out high-quality research across a broad spectrum of topics. We publish about 500 scientific papers, confer 30 doctoral degrees, and create 20 inventions on an annual basis. You can learn more about our faculty research here.

The position is placed in the Research and Innovation Services. The Research and Innovation Services create the preconditions for high-quality, productive, responsible research, development, partnership, and innovation activities in Tampere University. The Unit's experts assist researchers in applying and managing research funding, in the development of partnerships, and the valorization of research results. In addition, we support the university's management in the formation of research and research funding strategies and in the preparation of decisions. The Unit of about 50 experts consists of five teams: Research Development, Pre- and Post-award, Innovation Services and Partnerships and Entrepreneurship.

Job description

We offer a versatile job for a person interested in developing research prerequisites and supporting researchers, including the following tasks:

• Support for research funding applications at the faculty together with the Vice-Dean of Research and Research Services
• Involvement in the planning and implementation of research strategy
• Coordination of research development processes
• Development of research infrastructure
• Strengthening the visibility of research

The duties are done in close cooperation with the Vice-Dean of Research, and with Research Services.

Requirements

• Interest in developing the impact and quality of research
• The courage to take on new challenges
• Good coordination, fluent communication and interaction skills
• Customer service spirit, good cooperation and negotiation skills
• Fluent English language skills
• Good IT skills
• A doctoral degree in the field of ENS Faculty

We value knowledge of the Finnish higher education systems, as well as experience in research funders, scientific publishing, and international experience.  

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work. 

We offer

• A vantage point for research aimed at solving society's challenging problems
• Opportunity to work alongside top-level experts
• Support from an international, diverse, and welcoming work community
• Good opportunities for your own professional development

The position is full-time and permanent. The starting day is October 1st, or as mutually agreed, as soon as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. 

The salary will be based on both the position requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to other expert and support staff, the position of a Research Specialist is placed on level 10 of the job requirements scale. In addition to the basic salary, a supplementary salary will be paid according to personal performance, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.  

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, affordable restaurant and café services on all campuses, excellent sports facilities on campuses, and support for staff culture and sports activities.

Come join us for a meaningful career! You can find more information about working with us on our employer website. 

Finland is among the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link can be found below this notification). 

The closing date for applications is Thursday 29th of August 2024 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3).

Attach to your application only the following documents (in PDF format):

• Curriculum vitae in accordance with the curriculum vitae of the Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
• List of publications in accordance with the instructions of Research Council of Finland
• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the task and why you would be a good choice for us

After the application period, we might invite the most suitable applicants for video interviews if necessary. If video interviews take place, we will send a video interview invitation to the email address you provided with your application 9.9.2024 and the answers to the video interview questions we ask you to send no later than 13.9.2024. We will invite the top applicants to the interviews that will take place in September. In addition to interviews, we may use aptitude tests as part of the selection process. 

For more information on the tasks, please contact:

Manager, Research Services Anu Juslin, anu.juslin@tuni.fi, tel. +358503009062, call times 5.8. at 14-16, 7.8. at 8-10, 26.8. at 9-11, 28.8. at 14-16

Vice-Dean of research Minnamari Vippola, minnamari.vippola@tuni.fi, tel.+358408490148, call times 30.7. at 9-11, 9.8. at 9-11, 14.8. at 10-12 ja 23.8. at 11-13.