Do you want to explore how to combine sustainable building usage with occupant safety and well-being and efficiency of user activities? We are looking for a post-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 post-doctoral researcher a post-doctoral researcher with a strong interest in bridging the gap between reduced real-life building energy usage and improved user satisfaction. We are seeking a researcher who is curious and ambitious, strives for academic advancement and greater expertise, and aims to contribute to impactful scientific research that addresses relevant societal challenges.

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 transdisciplinary research focusing on the sustainability and energy transformation of buildings. Potential research topics include demand-control, system energy efficiency and real-life energy saving potential related to building use, and user safety and well-being.

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

Your work includes publishing research results, contributing to research funding proposals, collaborating with national and international partners, and participating in research group meetings, conferences, and seminars, which will involve occasional travel.

In addition, you will supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses and contribute to teaching.

What we expect from you

You have a doctoral degree in building services engineering (HVAC and automation) or a related field, the ability for independent scientific work, and teaching skills.  

We welcome applications from both experienced post-doctoral and early-career researchers, including recent doctoral graduates. 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 important in this role. Earlier professional experience in or collaboration with the building services industry is an advantage.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. Success in this role requires 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.

The position is a part of LUT University's non-tenure track system. The appointment is initially for two years, including a six-month trial period, and may be extended by up to two years based on performance and progress.

What we offer

We offer a collaborative research environment where you will contribute to societally relevant research, develop your research profile, and work with an interdisciplinary and international team.

The work starts as soon as possible – preferably in November 2026. 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 position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours under the collective agreement for Finnish universities. The hours are flexible and support work–life balance.

The salary is set according to the Finnish university pay system’s scale for teaching and research staff (requirement levels 5–6). The starting salary is approximately EUR 4,300–5,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Interested? Please submit your application through the link below 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:

• A motivation letter describing your suitability for the position (one page)
• A curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• A copy of your doctoral degree certificate; if the original document is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, an official certified translation is required
• A full list of publications
• A summary of teaching merits
• 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.

We will review applications on a rolling basis. Only applications submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered.

For more information about position, 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 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.