Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project “Sensitive NMR for Sustainable Development”

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

Postdoctoral Researcher (4 years)

to join in the NMR Research Unit at the Faculty of Science.

We are an internationally established, combined experimental and theoretical team of about 30 people, of which 50% with a PhD degree. We develop experimental, theoretical, and computational research methods based on magnetic resonance phenomena and apply those methods to topical problems in molecular and materials sciences. Our strength is in the tight connection between state-of-the-art measurements and calculations. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in successful funding applications both at the Research Council of Finland and in EU programmes.

Subject field and description of the position

The postdoctoral position is a part of the Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project ”Sensitive NMR for Sustainable Development”, which focuses on the development and application of new experimental and computational NMR methods in multidisciplinary research targeted at green transition and human well-being. The project is led by Professor Ville-Veikko Telkki.

The postdoctoral position concentrates on the development of hyperpolarized ultrafast Laplace NMR experiments, including single-scan multidimensional relaxation and diffusion experiments, as well as their applications in research topics supporting sustainable development. The applications may include, e.g., battery materials, biomaterials, biosensors and sustainable cements as well as investigating the role of aerosols in climate change.

Required qualifications and assessment

The postdoctoral researcher must have completed doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related field, within less than 10 years, and show a visible scientific profile. We expect you to have significant experience in the method development of experimental NMR spectroscopy. 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 NMR Research Unit, the duties include supervising the scientific research of BSc, MSc and doctoral students, and acquiring research funding.

What we offer

• A place in a highly talented research group, working to solve significant research problems in the field of NMR spectroscopy.
• Wellness benefit (ePassi) covering sport, culture and well-being activities. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• 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 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.
• 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.

Salary

The postdoctoral position is fixed term for 4 years. The position starts from January 1, 2025, 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). The salary is thus in practice roughly 3 700–4 300 € per month (before taxes), depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Later the salary follows the YPJ salary system of Finnish universities. The salary will be paid monthly. The employment contract is based on a total working time of 1 612 hours per year, which gives the postdoctoral researcher freedom to plan the working hours. A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of the work contract.

Application Procedure

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by October 31, 2024, 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise, and describing applicant’s research interests and motivations in the project. Also, information on other personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here. The letter should also include potential specific interests in the research at the University of Oulu.
2. Brief curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages).
3. Certificates/diplomas - scanned copy of the original relevant master’s and doctoral degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
4. List of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
5. Brief (1-2 pages) description of research merits.
6. Contact information of two persons who may be asked to give a statement of the candidate

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to a 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.

For further information regarding the filling of the post:

Professor Ville-Veikko Telkki, NMR Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel. + 358-294-48-1309, email: ville-veikko.telkki(at)oulu.fi.

1. Ville-Veikko Aukusti Telkki,