Do you want to explore how to combine sustainable building usage with occupant safety, well-being, and efficiency of user activities? We are looking for a doctoral researcher to join us at LUT University and contribute to research on high-performance, future-resilient, user-oriented sustainable buildings.

LUT Civil Engineering is a new, growing part of the LUT School of Energy Systems, and now hiring a doctoral researcher with a strong interest in bridging the gap between reduced real-life building energy usage and improved user satisfaction. We are looking for a curious, proactive researcher who enjoys continuous learning and wants to contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries with a positive impact on society.

We are also currently seeking other civil engineering professionals with a range of specialties; see our other job openings here.

What your work will be like

In this position, you will contribute to research focusing on real-life building usage or on-demand ventilation control in buildings or industrial processes.

The position is based in the Building Services research group within the newly established LUT Civil Engineering team. You will work closely with your supervisor and the research group.

As a doctoral researcher, your primary goal is to complete your doctoral degree. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles and completing the required doctoral studies. In practice, your responsibilities include analysing and documenting research results, contributing to international scientific publications, and disseminating findings through channels such as conference presentations. As you will be participating in conferences and seminars, the position involves occasional travel.

The role also includes teaching and assisting in teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels and supporting project or research group administration.

The selected candidate must apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies at the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of employment.

What we expect

A relevant master’s degree is required. Your educational background may relate to HVAC, building automation, or a related field.

The role requires commitment to completing your doctoral studies within their normative timeframe. We value strong academic writing skills and motivation to contribute to scientific publications during your doctoral studies. Prior publications are not required but are considered an advantage.

Prior industry experience is an advantage, but early-career candidates are also encouraged to apply if they are eager to learn and take initiative.

Experience with or ambition to learn computational and experimental methods to analyse and develop building energy usage – such as system performance, room airflow patterns, and thermal and indoor air quality conditions – is considered an advantage.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. We particularly value the ability to see the big picture behind the details. You should be able to work independently, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively in an international research environment. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Finnish language skills are considered an advantage. 

As the LUT Civil Engineering is just being established, you should be comfortable operating in an evolving environment where uncertainty and change are part of everyday work.

What we offer

We offer a collaborative research environment where you will contribute to societally relevant research, build your academic publication record, and receive close support from your supervisor throughout your doctoral studies.

The employment relationship starts with a one-year term. The contract may be extended by three years if your progress in your studies and research in the first year is satisfactory. The employment begins with a six-month trial period.

The work starts as soon as possible – preferably in November 2026, although the start date is negotiable. The position is based at LUT’s Lahti campus in Finland. LUT offers a hybrid work model that combines flexibility with regular on-campus presence. The hours are flexible and support work–life balance. The position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours in accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities.

The salary is set according to the Finnish university pay system’s scale for teaching and research staff (requirement level 2). The starting salary is approximately EUR 3,100 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Interested? Please submit your application by 4 October 2026 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC+3). Fill out the online form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• Motivation letter (one page) highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Copies of your original bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, official certified translations are required
• Contact details of two references

Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for uploading all attachments. Also, make sure you submit only one application.

Only applications that are submitted through the recruitment system and include the required documents will be considered. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

For more information, please contact Industry Professor Kim Hagström, kim.hagstrom@lut.fi.

Read more about the LUT Civil Engineering.

Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.

Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.

Explore information for international staff.

LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en

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