Are you interested in tackling the effects of heat waves and air pollution in urban areas? We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join us at LUT University and contribute to groundbreaking research that benefits urban areas worldwide.

LUT Civil Engineering is a new, growing part of the LUT School of Energy Systems, and now hiring a post-doctoral researcher with a strong interest in computational modelling of heat and mass transfer under extreme conditions such as heat waves and air pollution. The position focuses on urban and suburban environments, validating results against on-site measurements.

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 high-fidelity computational modelling of heat and mass transfer in urban and suburban environments exposed to heat waves and air pollution, including the amplification of these phenomena by the built environment.

The position is based in the Urban Physics research group within the newly established LUT Civil Engineering team. You will work closely with the other members of this research group.

Your work will include conducting high-quality CFD and building energy simulations, running on-site measurement campaigns, publishing research results, contributing to research funding proposals, supervising doctoral and master’s students, collaborating with national and international partners, and participating in research group meetings, conferences, and seminars, which will involve occasional travel.

What we expect from you

You have a doctoral degree from a relevant field. You are an independent researcher with strong communication skills and the ability to work in research teams and motivate and inspire young researchers. Research experience and publications on the built environment are essential.

We welcome applications from both experienced post-doctoral and early-career researchers, including recent doctoral graduates. Experience in developing or applying high-quality CFD simulations or building energy simulations is an essential requirement. Experience in on-site micrometeorological measurement campaigns is an advantage. 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 start date is negotiable but should ideally be before April 2027. 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 the position, please contact Professor Bert Blocken, bert.blocken@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.