The LUT School of Energy Systems is seeking a junior researcher in mechanical engineering to join its High-Performance Composites Team. We are looking for a curious individual aiming for an academic career and passionate about developing sustainable flax fibre-reinforced bio-based polymer composites. The research will focus on understanding defect propagation across scales using experimental and computational approaches.

The ideal candidate for the position

• Is interested in writing a dissertation on areas such as mechanics of composites, image-based finite element modelling, X-ray computed tomography, multiscale methods (experimental and computational), composite manufacturing, and fibre/matrix interface.
• Has basic knowledge of material mechanics, solid mechanics theories (including classical lamination theory), finite element modelling, and data analysis and processing.

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or materials science) and the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies at LUT University. Junior researchers must obtain the right to complete doctoral studies at LUT within the first three months of employment.

Employment Relationship and Pay

The position is based in Lappeenranta. The employment starts with a one-year term, including a six-month trial period, and can be extended by three years if studies progress satisfactorily. The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities, with a typical gross starting salary for a junior researcher being approximately 32,500 euros per year (plus a holiday bonus in accordance with the collective agreement).

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued support for learning, training, and development.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is 22 September 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC+3). Please send your application through the university’s online application system with the following attachments:

• A motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
• A research plan proposal describing the research you would like to conduct on the topics listed above (max. 3 pages)
• A copy of your academic degree certificate and transcript of records; if the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. Please submit all application materials in English.

Further Information

For further details, please contact Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Humberto Almeida, Jr., at firstname.lastname@lut.fi.

Read more about LUT as an employer.

Read more about the information for international staff.

Read more about LUT Doctoral School.

LUT University | Clean energy, water, and air are life-giving resources for which we seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are the world’s ninth best university for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.