The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Technology brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics, as well as computer science, to develop solutions for future technologies and key societal challenges.
We invite applications for 1 Postdoctoral Researcher position in Thermal Spray to join the Digital Manufacturing and Surface Engineering (DMS) research group in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 01.02.2026, or as agreed, and ends on 31.01.2029.
Your Role
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a central role in developing next-generation metal alloys and ceramic-based bulk 3D parts as well as thin and thick coatings using thermal spray and, where relevant, additive manufacturing processes as well as their combined use. Your work will focus on advancing the understanding and control of coating and bulk part fabrication, process development, metallurgical assessment, and performance in demanding environments (e.g., corrosion, wear, and energy applications).
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, your responsibilities will include:
- Primarily leading thermal spray research activities at UTU, including planning and coordinating experimental work.
- Operating thermal spray torches (e.g., flame spray, cold spray, HVOF and plasma spray where applicable) and processing novel coatings for diverse applications such as corrosion protection, wear resistance, energy, and repair.
- Designing and executing experimental campaigns for novel metal alloy and ceramic coatings as well as bulk 3D parts using flame spray and cold spray, and interfacing with laser directed energy deposition (DED) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) activities where needed.
- Performing and supervising materials characterization, including microstructural and phase analysis, hardness and other property evaluations, and, where relevant, electrochemical and corrosion testing.
- Contributing to the development of education and training related to thermal spray and additive manufacturing (e.g., assisting in courses, supervising student projects).
- Disseminating research results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and project deliverables.
Who we are looking for
The following skills are essential :
- A PhD in Mechanical, Metallurgical or Materials Engineering (or a closely related field).
- A PhD thesis within the thermal spray / cold spray / surface engineering domain.
- A solid track record of publishing in relevant scientific journals.
- Proven hands-on experience in thermal spray, particularly cold spray and/or flame spray, and familiarity with other processes such as HVOF or plasma spray.
- Experience with combustion-based and/or solution/suspension-derived flame spray coatings, especially for functional applications (e.g. battery electrodes).
- Experience with developing Cu-based and/or other structural alloy coatings (e.g. Ni-based alloys, steels, or similar) for surface engineering, repair, or protection applications.
- Experience in developing or optimizing novel coatings for demanding environments, for example corrosion and cavitation resistance, and/or energy-related applications such as Li-based or other battery-relevant coatings.
- Experience with corrosion, cavitation, or high-temperature testing of coatings, and related data interpretation.
- Experience in developing solutions for repair and remanufacturing, for example using cold spray or related surface engineering technologies.
Additional preferred but not mandatory skills considered beneficial for the work are:
- Experience with laser-based post-processing or hybrid processing (e.g. laser remelting of thermal spray coatings) and/or experience with laser powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
- Experience in conducting Tribology experiments on coatings and bulk parts and operating Tribometers
- Experience with numerical/finite element modelling or CFD for thermal spray or related processes (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, COMSOL), and/or AI/ML-based modelling for process prediction or sensor/data interpretation.
- Programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and strong proficiency in scientific writing and communication.
- Previous experience in supervising or mentoring students and working in collaborative, multi-partner research projects.
The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.
Priority will be given to candidates who have completed their PhD within the last six months (counted from the date of PhD defense) or are in the final year of their doctoral studies and are expected to defend their thesis within 6 months of the employment start date. In such cases, the candidate may initially be hired as a Project Researcher and will transition to the Postdoctoral Researcher position upon completion of their doctoral degree. At UTU a higher university degree is essential to be a Project Researcher.
What We offer
The position offers excellent opportunities for specialized training, industrial collaboration, and career development, as well as a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive team culture within the Digital Manufacturing and Surface Engineering (DMS) research group at the University of Turku.
The DMS research group, co-led by Prof. Ashish Ganvir and Prof. Antti Salminen, focuses on next-generation manufacturing technologies — including thermal spray, laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, welding, laser material processing, and surface engineering — with applications across aerospace, marine, energy, and advanced materials sectors.
The University of Turku is a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented research university, renowned for its high-quality research and strong industry collaboration. At the University of Turku, we offer you responsible and meaningful tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a diverse and inspiring working environment. You will be supported by a skilled and collaborative team, and we are committed to your well-being and work–life balance through flexible working arrangements and dedicated well-being services. Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo, recognizing our commitment to continuously improving the working conditions and career development of researchers in line with the European Charter for Researchers.
The university also offers excellent support and orientation for international hires. Learn more about Finnish culture, relocation, and life in Turku:
Salary and trial period
The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a Postdoctoral Researcher, the salary at the beginning of the employment will be approximately 3600-3700 €/month. For a project researcher the salary at the beginning of the employment will be approximately 2500-2600 €/month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for this position.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by 31st December, 2025 (16.00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for this job).
Applications should include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (without listing any publications)
- A list of publications (including all contributions such as conference proceedings, book chapters, journals etc.)
- Copies of degree diplomas (Master´s and PhD)
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining how your background and skills, as described in your CV, match the requirements of this position
- PhD thesis progress certificate from your thesis supervisor (mandatory only if the PhD is not yet completed): This letter should state the current progress of your PhD work and the expected date of thesis defense and graduation.
For further information about the position, please contact: Associate professor Ashish Ganvir ashish.ganvir@utu.fi
For Questions related to the application process, please contact Sarian Kotka sjkkot@utu.fi.
