Materials Engineering unit is expanding by opening a Professor (Assistant/Associate/Full) position in the research area of automated experimentation for materials research. Automated experimentation refers to the use of software, robotics, machine learning and other automated systems to design and conduct experiments with minimal human intervention. Research developments in this area would reduce times and resources associated with development of novel materials solutions and improve accuracy and reliability of experimentation.

In the open position, we invite candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: building or using automated experimentation platforms in physics, chemistry, materials science, with a focus on experimental materials synthesis, characterisation or both, and optionally, with experience developing algorithms for accelerated discovery based on data collection from automated instruments. Practical knowledge with hands-on operation, instrument building and low-cost automation will be considered a bonus.

In addition to the research merits, we consider applicants’ merits broadly and value, for example, broad academic, professional, and societal networks; societal impact and outreach activities; experience in technology transfer; industrial and entrepreneurial experience; and multidisciplinary collaboration. For all positions, we value an active approach and enthusiasm for teaching, educational development, teaching experience and pedagogical studies.

The applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term associate or assistant professorship (tenure track) or to a permanent professor position (Full Professor) depending on their previous academic merits.

• For the position of Assistant Professor, we seek proactive researchers and teachers beyond their post doc phase yet still at their early academic career, and who already have a proven track record of scientific research.
• For the position of Associate Professor, we emphasize an international track record of scientific research, teaching experience and societal influence. In addition to these, we value a track record of acquiring external research funding and business collaboration.
• For the position of Full Professor we are looking for experienced and internationally distinguished experts who already have excellent publication production and success in obtaining external funding. 

Who can apply

This position is funded by the Research Council of Finland’s grant for recruiting international, high-level researchers from outside Finland. Therefore, only applicants who are currently or have been recently residing and working outside of Finland can apply. For applicants established in Finland, short-term research visits abroad are not considered as working outside Finland. The recruited person needs to start in the position during 2026.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,500 graduate and postgraduate students and almost 600 employees, of whom 52 are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies