Tenure track position (Structural engineering, concrete and bridge structures)

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 seeking an Associate Professor or Professor in the field of concrete and bridge structures.  

At Tampere University, we are working to solve society's major challenges and create new opportunities by linking pioneering research and innovation, promoting interdisciplinary education and life-long partnerships, and generating unique expertise in industrial and public-sector implementation. As set out in our strategy, our mission is to work together to build a sustainable world!   

The position is placed in the Faculty of Built Environment at Tampere University. The position is available at the unit of Civil Engineering. The Civil Engineering Unit conducts high-quality scientific and applied research and provides higher education in civil engineering. We foster interaction and innovation that open up new avenues for multidisciplinary education and research in our areas of expertise. We have a mission to establish a national reputation as a forerunner in educational trends and research that fall under the broad umbrella of construction and civil engineering and to raise our international profile as a sought-after collaboration partner. 

Job description    

We are seeking a candidate with experience in leading research group, extensive teaching experience, wide experience conducting full-scale experimental research, and practical experience in the relevant field. Ideally, you have also experience from scientific and standardization groups at international level.  

You will be the responsible teacher in the fields of concrete structures, pre-stressed concrete structures and concrete bridges. In addition, you will support teaching of general concrete technology and structural engineering. The courses in the mentioned fields are held at B.Sc. and M.Sc. level. The teaching includes B.Sc. and M.Sc. thesis supervision as well as D.Sc. thesis supervision.  

The responsibilities in research include acquisition of funding, steering and supervising of research in the field of concrete and bridge structures. Further, the responsibilities include coordinating activities between research groups. The research and the teaching include close interaction with Finnish industry and authorities. Candidates in the field of structural engineering and design are encouraged to apply.  

The duties of the professor will be further specified, and their quantitative ratios confirmed, in the annual workload plan. The duties will also be proportioned to the level of seniority; For more senior level appointments, leading research, carrying out international research activities will be emphasized.  

Requirements    

We expect you to have a doctoral degree in structural engineering and have solid practical experience in the relevant field. Further requirements for each tenure track level are as follows:   

Associate professor   

We require:   

• A record of independent scholarly activity.     
• Ability to lead a research group and a record of winning external research funding.
• A record of international scholarly activity.       
• Teaching skills required to successfully perform the duties and functions of the position.      

Professor   

We require:   

• High-level scholarly expertise and an international level of achievement. 
• Experience of leading scientific research activities.   
• Ability to provide high-quality research-based education and instruction.   
• A record of winning external research funding.   
• A record of international scholarly activity.    

On all levels we expect you to have a track record of peer reviewed publications, strong methodological skills in the field of concrete and bridge structures as well as knowledge of the related European standards, regulations and structural design system. Experience from supervising bachelor’s, master’s and PhD’s theses, proven skills in managing courses in the field of concrete and bridge structures, as well as readiness to complete pedagogical training are expected.  

You need to be fluent in the English language in order to be able to manage the position. Knowledge of the Finnish language can be seen as an advantage. Please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested. Collaboration with companies or external organizations and knowledge of the Finnish operational environment can also be seen as an advantage. 

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    

Tampere University and the higher education community offer a unique multidisciplinary environment for interdisciplinary research and teaching. We offer an initial appointment for associate professor for five years. Subject to successful performance, you will become a tenured member of the faculty staff at the end of the first five-year period. You will be well-supported throughout the five-year period to ease transition to a tenured position. Full professors will hold a permanent appointment from the outset. Please read more about the Tenure track career path at Tampere University.   

Salaries are based on the job demands and employees’ personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The starting salary range will be from 5400 EUR to 5800 EUR / month for an associate professor, and from 6500 EUR to 7000 EUR / month for a professor. A higher salary may be agreed upon based on the successful candidate’s experience and/or performance. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.    

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. 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, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.      

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 below). The closing date for applications is the 31st of July, 2024 (at 23.59 EEST / UTC +3).  

Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format. Applications should include the following documents:     

• Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines.   
• List of publications according to Research Council of Finland guidelines. Please indicate your five most important publications and add a link to those. You may also gather the publications to a cloud file and add a link to this to your list of publications.     
• Teaching portfolio according to the university guideline.   
• A research plan (max. 4 pages) including your research vision for the future in this field and a realistic implementation plan (research questions, methods, collaboration, funding, etc.) for your research for the next 5 years.    
• A letter of motivation (max. 2 pages). This should include your motivation for applying for this post, a brief account of your career, career stage, career outlook, and key achievements. 
• The names, positions and contact details of two referees who can provide references. Only referees for shortlisted candidates may be contacted.    

Candidates may be invited for a video interview during the first stage of the recruitment process. The most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview and may undergo an aptitude assessment. They will also undergo a review by external experts and may be required to give a demonstration of their teaching skills. 

For more information, please contact:    

Professor Sami Pajunen, Head of the Unit, sami.pajunen@tuni.fi