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 

The research group on Wastewater and Waste Engineering for Circular Economy at the Bio and Circular Economy subunit at Tampere University, Finland, is led by Prof. Marika Kokko. The group focuses on developing processes and concepts for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters, side streams, sludge and biowaste. The aim is to advance resource recovery and production of biochemicals and bioenergy and accelerate transition towards bio and circular economy. 

Job Description 

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on forward osmosis, especially optimizing the use of novel bio-mimetic membranes for the recovery of phosphate from selected wastewaters. The experimental work includes setting up the experiments, optimizing draw solution, improving selective recovery of phosphate and investigating potential competition with other compounds. Furthermore, the Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to write scientific articles, participate conference(s) and project meetings, assist in project management, and potentially co-supervise master thesis students and doctoral researchers. The overall aim of the BIOMEM project is to create a functional biomimetic membrane for selective extraction of biopharmaceuticals and bio-based products. 

Our group is seeking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with strong background in membrane technologies, specifically in forward osmosis. The exact direction of the research is determined by the project tasks, but responsibilities can be tailored to the candidate’s skillset, experience, and interests. Participation in the project offers international cooperation possibilities, conference(s) and a research visit abroad. 

Requirements 

• PhD degree in relevant fields (e.g., environmental engineering, water engineering, chemical engineering). 

• Good experimental skills in membrane technologies, specifically in forward osmosis. 

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, forward-thinking, and evolving community. Our values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centredness, courage, erudition, and responsibility. We hope you can embrace these values and promote them in your role.  

We offer 

The position will be for a period of 2 years and 2 months. The starting date is preferably 1st of February 2025 or as mutually agreed upon by both parties.  A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. 

The salary will be based on both the position requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a postdoctoral research fellow is placed on level 5-6 of the job requirements scale. In addition to the basic salary, a supplementary salary will be paid according to personal performance, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Typical starting salary is 3600 - 4200 euros per month in total. 

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 in Tampere by watching our video:  Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground

Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland and is considered a major academic hub in the Nordic countries. The region is home to a vibrant, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community, and the city is an industrial powerhouse with a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland's information society. Additionally, Finland is known for being one of the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on various ratings by prominent agencies. Tampere is surrounded by stunning nature, with forests and lakes offering 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. The closing date for applications is 28 October 2024 (at 23.59 EEST / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format. 

Applications should include the following documents: 

• Curriculum Vitae (freestyle) 
• List of publications 
• A letter of motivation (one page), highlighting your achievements and ambition. Please indicate your background related to the job descriptions and your most important work/publications and/or other achievements. 

For more information, please contact: 

Professor Marika Kokko, marika.kokko@tuni.fi  

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences | Materials Science and Environmental Engineering | Bio and Circular Economy (BIC) 

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat korkeakouluyhteisön, joka uskoo ihmiseen ja tieteeseen. Tekniikan, terveyden ja yhteiskunnan huippuosaajat muuttavat maailmaa Suomen toiseksi suurimmassa monitieteisessä ja innostavassa tutkimus- ja oppimisympäristössä. www.tuni.fi 

Prof. Marika Kokko johtaa Tampereen yliopistolla Kiertotalousratkaisut jätevesi- ja jätehuollossa tutkimusryhmää, jonka tavoitteena on kehittää prosesseja ja konsepteja yhdyskuntien ja teollisuuden jätevesien ja sivuvirtojen, lietteiden sekä biojätteen käsittelyyn. Tavoitteena on resurssien talteenotto ja biokemikaalien ja bioenergian tuottaminen, jotta voitaisiin vauhdittaa muutosta kohti bio- ja kiertotaloutta.   

Tehtävänkuvaus

Etsimme tutkijatohtoria BIOMEM projektiin, jossa kehitetään uuden tyyppisiä kalvoja biologisten lääkeaineiden ja biopohjaisten tuotteiden talteenottoon. Hakijoilla tulee olla vahva tausta kalvotekniikoista, erityisesti suorasta osmoosista.  

Hakuohjeet 

Tarkemmat tehtävänkuvaukset ja tehtävään liittyvät tutkimusprojektit ovat esitelty ilmoituksen englanninkielisessä osassa. 

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 28.10.2024 klo 23.59. 

Lisätietoja tehtävästä antaa:

Professori Marika Kokko, marika.kokko@tuni.fi