Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is looking for:

A Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental hydrocarbon electrolysis (2-4 years fixed term)

for the new research group of Electrolytic processes headed by Prof. Pekka Peljo. The group will move from University of Turku to Aalto University from 1.4.2025. The position is funded by Research Council of Finland project H2fromHE, where hydrogen production by hydrocarbon electrolysis is investigated both experimentally and computationally – the sought person has the ability and willingness to drive high-profile, interdisciplinary research in a joint effort between experimental and computational / theory research. This project includes collaboration with the computational group of Prof. Kari Laasonen, while catalyst materials will be provided by collaborators. Additionally, a research visit to University of Reading, UK, is planned for realizing low temperature electrochemistry measurements. The tentative starting date would be 1.4.2025 but can be negotiated.

Your background and expertise

The selected person will be appointed for a fixed term. The successful candidate will conduct experimental scientific research aiming at high impact scientific publications in the field of electrocatalysis. Research methodology is experimental electrochemistry, including microelectrode measurements in non-aqueous solvents. The position also involves participation of departmental teaching and student instruction.

The positions require an active approach, diligence and cooperation skills, as well as experience in laboratory work and an excellent, recently obtained (max 5 years) PhD degree in, for example, in Chemistry or related field (Material Science or Physics). You should demonstrate strong aptitude to research of electrocatalysis.

We appreciate (note that the applicant does not need to have all the following knowledge and skills):

• expertise in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis

• microelectrode measurements in non-aqueous solvents

• expertise in physical chemistry

• chemical analysis of the reaction products

What we offer

The selected candidate joins the exceptional scientific environment of Department of Chemistry and Materials Science hosting three other electrochemistry groups (Prof. Kallio, Murtomäki and Yerga (starting 1.1.2025)) and computational chemistry group specializing in modelling of electrochemical systems (Prof. Laasonen). We also have wide international collaboration network. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland, in the capital Helsinki region. Helsinki is the lively, dynamic capital of Finland with active international social scene, good opportunities for culture or outdoor activities, and reputedly high quality of living in general.

The starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 3960 €/month.

The contract includes occupational health benefits and Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application at your earliest convenience but no later than 30.11.2024 through our online recruiting system by using the link provided.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> Internal Jobs by using their existing Workday user account. 

Please attach to the application in English and as PDF files

• A letter of motivation

• A complete curriculum vitae describing education and employment history, as well as, list of scientific publications

• Contact details of at least 2 possible reference letter writers

Evaluation of the applications may start immediately.

Additional information is available from Prof. Pekka Peljo (pekka.peljo(a)aalto.fi).

More info about group at https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-technology/mechanical-and-materials-engineering/research/battery-materials-and-technologies and about the department at https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-chemistry-and-materials-science/

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