Assistant / associate professor in Mechanical Engineering, especially Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing

Are you interested in advancing laser-based production engineering and manufacturing technology through research and education? This position offers the opportunity to conduct research on laser-based manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing, digital product and process development chains, and industrial applications while contributing to the development of manufacturing technologies and materials engineering. You will be part of an international academic community working in close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.

The professorship in mechanical engineering, especially laser processing and additive manufacturing, is located at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the LUT School of Energy Systems. The position is based in Lappeenranta, Finland. The professorship contributes especially to research and education in laser-based production engineering and manufacturing technology. It is highly relevant for advancing manufacturing technologies and materials engineering and for strengthening industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Through innovations in laser-based processes, it contributes to the development of next-generation production systems, resource-efficient manufacturing, and high-value engineering solutions. The position is connected to the Laboratory of Welded Metal Structures (WMS), where welding technology, laser processing, and steel structures form a research environment focused on the design, simulation, testing, and production of welded and 3D-printed metal structures in modern digital development and production environments.

What we expect from you

The professorship will strengthen research and education in laser processing and additive manufacturing. Applicants must have proven expertise in more than one of the following fields:

• management and implementation of a digital, comprehensive design, simulation, testing, manufacturability, and production chain for laser-based processes
• laser-based metal additive manufacturing
• laser systems and optical arrangements
• digital product and process development chains
• design aspects for laser manufacturing
• simulation-driven manufacturing
• process monitoring and digital twins
• manufacturability analysis
• production system integration
• techno-economic assessment and profitability of laser solutions
• industrial implementation of laser technologies.

The person appointed to the professorship should present proof of successful project work, funding acquisition, and research collaboration with research institutions and relevant industries. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in leading a research group or organisation. Spoken and written fluency in English is required.

Practical experience in the field is not a requirement in this position. However, strong evidence of industrial research and development projects is considered an advantage.

The appointment process description explains the qualification requirements, duties, and tenure track appointment criteria.

What we offer you

We are looking for a candidate motivated to advance research and education in laser processing and additive manufacturing. You will join the Department of Mechanical Engineering and work in a multidisciplinary research environment with extensive collaboration opportunities across mechanical engineering and other disciplines.

The position is situated at the assistant or associate professor level of the tenure track system and will be filled through an open application process for a fixed term of four years. The tenure track offers researchers a possibility to advance to a full professorship. A six-month trial period applies.

The salary is determined according to the salary system for university teaching and research personnel. The pay will include an individual pay component based on performance and competence. The gross annual salary for an associate professor is approximately 68,000 euros, and that of an assistant professor, ranges from 50,500 to 59,000 euros, depending on qualifications and experience.

In addition to a competitive salary, the job comes with a wide range of benefits, including a holiday bonus, a generous holiday entitlement, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial work environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

For further information about the position, please contact Timo Kärki, professor, either by phone (+358 40 770 8791) or email (timo.karki@lut.fi).

Take the next step in your academic career and apply now; we welcome you to the Land of the Curious!

Interested? Please submit your application by 9 November 2026 at 12:00 noon (UTC +2). Submit your application and all required attachments by filling out the online form. All application documents must be in English and in PDF format.

The application must include all the following documents:

• a curriculum vitae (max. 10 pages)
• a copy of your doctoral diploma (no other diplomas)
• a full list of publications, including the total number of publications in the Scopus database, the total number of citations, the h-index and Scopus ID, and equivalent information from the applicant’s Google Scholar profile
• a separate list of up to 10 publications submitted for expert evaluation
• the 10 above-mentioned publications as separate attachments
• a teaching portfolio or an equivalent account of your teaching qualifications, including courses taught by the applicant, related feedback, the applicant’s pedagogical training and teaching philosophy, and courses that the applicant can or prefers to teach
• an account of  your merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 3 pages)
• an account of your vision on the development of education, research, and projects in the field of the professorship at LUT University (max. 3 pages)

Please specify the tenure track level to which you are applying. Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for uploading all attachments. Also, make sure you submit only one application. 

Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.

Read more about the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

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

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