Åbo Akademi University is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally. The Faculty of Science and Engineering develops solutions and processes to slow down climate change, promotes a cleaner environment and a healthier sea and finds methods to discover, treat and prevent diseases. Our goal is a healthy human in a sustainable society. Our research is done in cooperation with the industry, research institutes and other universities both in Finland and abroad.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers a doctoral student-position in Sustainable Material Chemistry within the project ‘A bio-inspired generator of green electricity using photosynthetic bacteria and sustainable materials (Photo-e-Mat)’ funded by Academy of Finland/Research Council of Finland for 43 months or until 30.08.2027. The employment can begin on September 1 2023, or per agreement.
Background
The research profile Technologies for a Sustainable Future (TSF) is one of four profiling areas of Åbo Akademi University. TSF develops new technology that can be used to replace fossil raw materials with renewable resources such as biomass and solar energy. The goals are global and ambitious: to find technical solutions that will slow down the ongoing climate change and to contribute to a clean environment and sustainable society.
In this recruitment, we are primarily looking for a candidate with a background in the following field(s): natural materials technology, material chemistry, organic chemistry, chemistry and chemical engineering, polymer chemistry and technology.
Description of the position
The doctoral student will carry out work within the scope of the doctoral thesis. In addition, the employed doctoral student may be assigned tasks in connection to teaching, supervision or other administrative tasks in accordance with the regulations of the universities’ collective agreement.
The main tasks of the doctoral candidate will include but not be limited to the development of sustainable synthesis approaches for tailoring bio-based hydrogel scaffold using additive manufacturing as a tool.
The selected candidate will be employed for a period of up to 43 months or until 30.08.2027 within the currently funded project. The employment can start on September 1st 2023 or as per agreement. The Doctoral Student will be placed at the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering. The position is located in Turku.
Qualification and assessment
We are looking for a motivated doctoral student with a master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or other closely related field suitable for the position described above.
The qualification requirements and merits for the position are defined below and will together with the application be considered in the evaluation.
Qualification requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or chemical engineering or other field defined above.
- Excellent oral and written skills in English
Good knowledge in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, additive manufacturing or wood chemistry are considered a merit.
An applicant, who is not yet accepted as a doctoral student at the Faculty, needs to fulfil the requirements for applicants to doctoral studies according to the principles for admission to the doctoral programmes at the Faculty. Please note, that there is a separate application process for the admission to a doctoral programme at ÅAU.
The applicants are assessed on the basis of their study achievements, research plan and possible results of research in the relevant field or related subjects. During the selection process the applicants can be invited to an interview.
Terms of employment
The principle of total working time (1,612 hours per year) is applied to appointed doctoral students. The individual study plan for doctoral students will be evaluated annually. A maximum of 5 % of the working hours can be dedicated to teaching and supervision. The work tasks are defined in an annual work plan.
The salary for a doctoral position will be based on levels 2-4 of the job demand level for teaching and research personnel in the salary system. In addition, there is a salary component based on personal work performance, according to the general collective agreement for universities. Doctoral students employed by Åbo Akademi University should actively take part in the existing research environment in Turku. A trial period applies for new employees.
Application
Submit the electronic application form below (www.abo.fi/rekrytering), no later than August 4th 2023 at 3:00 pm (Finnish time zone). Support for submitting the electronic application can be found here: https://www.abo.fi/en/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/.
The following attachments should be submitted:
- A free-form application letter, clearly indicating motivation to pursue PhD and conduct this research topic (max. three page)
- A research plan (see ÅAU instructions here, section 4)
- A CV (max 2-3 pages) with the following content: 1) education, 2) working experience, 3) language skills, 4) participation in seminars and conferences, 5) publications, 6) commissions of trust, 7) other merits.
- Copies of diplomas including complete transcript of records (BA, MA, MSc, other)
- A list of max. three references and their contact details
Contact details
For more information on the position, please contact Professor Chunlin Xu, email: chunlin.xu@abo.fi, and (about the application process) HR-specialist Anna Lübchow, email: anna.lubchow@abo.fi.
Åbo Akademi University is actively working for equal gender distribution and diversity across all personnel groups.
