Postdoctoral Researcher in Photocatalytic Film Design and Realizations for Solar Hydrogen Reactor

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. Thus, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher in photocatalytic film developments for solar hydrogen reactor 

to join us in the Nano and Molecular Systems Research unit (NANOMO) at the Faculty of Science. 

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.

The work is carried out in the Functional Materials (FunMaters) Group of the NANOMO Unit at University of Oulu. The group consists of one professor, five postdoctoral researchers and six doctoral researchers. The research of the group covers a wide domain in materials physics, with special emphasis on photocatalysis, bio-inspired surface treatment, and advanced metals.

About the job

You will focus on photocatalytic films development for film-based solar hydrogen reactor. Synthesis and engineering of the films are expected to be performed via wet synthesis and scaled up to mass production. The films will be installed in reactors which will be installed outdoor for pilot tests eventually. The works will be implemented in an international and multidisciplinary research team dedicated both to hydrogen photocatalytic materials development and film-based hydrogen reactor realizations. The tasks of the candidate also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, assisting supervisions of doctoral researchers in the project, and involving in educations directly related to the research and funding applications.

What we offer?

• You will be a part of a highly talented research team dedicated to solar hydrogen production.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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: 

• A doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, biosciences, or a related area. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English and communication skills.
• Self-motivation and ability to work as a part of a team and independently.
• Demonstrated experience in photo(electro)catalysis and hydrogen evolution.

We also appreciate

• Experiences in film, surface, or polymer engineering.
• Experiences in device designs and commissioning.
• Synthetic chemistry and materials characterizations.
• Solar energy harvesting and sunlight guidance studies.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 47 months as of 01.10.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.09.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 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, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

Scientific and academic issues please contact:

Professor Wei Cao

FunMaters’ Group and Project Leader, NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

Dr. Shubo Wang

FunMaters Group, NANOMO Unit

shubo.wang@oulu.fi

Other administrative issues

Adj. Prof. Samuli Urpelainen

samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi