Do you want to build a research career in computational weld mechanics? Join LUT University as a doctoral researcher and become part of an international research team developing advanced simulation methods for welded high-strength steel structures.

What your work will be like

Your work will focus on the analysis of local heat-affected zone (HAZ) behaviour in welded high-strength steels through computational weld mechanics (CWM) and phase-transformation modelling.

The research combines thermo-metallurgical and phase-transformation modelling, simulation of microstructural evolution in weld heat-affected zones, and modelling of local mechanical properties such as hardness, strength and strain-hardening behaviour. In addition, the work includes experimental characterisation of welded joints using microstructural, thermal and mechanical measurements and the validation of predictive models for performance-driven design of welded structures.

You will contribute to the development of next-generation simulation methods capable of accurately predicting local property variations in welded high-strength fossil-free steel structures.

You will be part of the Welding Technology Unit and the Steel Structures Unit at the LUT School of Energy Systems. Approximately 25 researchers are involved in these units, which collaborate closely with national and international partner universities, such as University of Oulu (Finland), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany).

What we expect from you

You have a master's degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field such as mechanical engineering, materials engineering, welding engineering, computational mechanics, or another relevant discipline, and the ability and motivation to complete the doctoral studies within their normative duration (i.e. four years).

A solid background in numerical modelling, materials science, solid mechanics, finite element methods, programming, and/or welding technology is considered beneficial. Success in this position requires the ability to work independently, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively within our international research community. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required for performing the duties of this role.  

We expect a willingness to travel, as the position includes project-related travel within Finland, participation in international conferences, and opportunities for research mobility with partner universities in Europe.

The selected candidate must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.

What we offer

At LUT, you will have the opportunity to develop your scientific expertise and research skills. Our experienced supervisors will guide you, and you will benefit from professional development opportunities. 

The position is based at the Lappeenranta campus, and you are expected to be regularly present on site.  

The employment relationship will start with a one-year term (including a six-month trial period) and may be extended for up to three additional years, depending on the progress of your studies and research.

The work starts in December 2026. The start date is negotiable. Working hours are flexible, supporting work-life balance, with a total of 1,612 annual working hours in accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities.

The salary is determined according to the Finnish university salary system (requirement level 2). The starting salary is approximately EUR 3,100 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Interested? Please submit your application by 15 October 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2h). Fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and suitability specifically for this position, based on your expertise acquired during studies and potential prior work experience
• A curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Scanned copies of your original bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts of records; if the original documents are not in English or Finnish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English (or Finnish). If the degree is  unfinished, please provide an official estimate of your graduation. 
• Contact details of two references (if available)
• A list of publications (if any)

Each attachment field accepts only one file. If you wish to submit multiple files, please combine them into a single PDF before uploading.

We will review applications on a rolling basis. Please ensure that your application includes all required documents and is submitted through the recruitment system.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Tuomas Skriko (tuomas.skriko@lut.fi, +358 50 470 6518) or Assistant Professor Antti Ahola (antti.ahola@lut.fi, +358 50 475 2825), preferably by email. You can also reach them by phone on 25 September 2026 and 9 October 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00 (UTC+2).

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

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.