A Project researcher in the field of Commercialization Strategy and Business Development for Laser Metal Additive Manufacturing
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.
Job description
We are looking for one project researcher (or research assistant or a part-time senior research fellow) in the field of Commercialization Strategy and business development for Laser Metal Additive Manufacturing 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 1.9.2025, or as agreed, until 30.6.2027
The selected candidate will contribute to a Business Finland-funded innovation commercialization project focused on emerging laser-based metal additive manufacturing technologies. The project aims to develop next-generation solutions that support modular, sustainable, and intelligent metal 3D printing, with applications in research, prototyping, and specialized industrial environments.
As a Researcher (i.e. Junior Project Champion) you will support both the technical research and commercialization strategy of the innovation. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting market and competitor analysis.
- Mapping potential customer segments and early adopters.
- Supporting user engagement activities and stakeholder interviews.
- Drafting marketing, communication, and dissemination materials.
- Assisting in business model development and pricing analysis.
- Supporting IP documentation and commercialization deliverables.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering innovation and real-world commercialization.
Who we are looking for
The following are essential for a successful completion of the project:
- A higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) or PhD degree in one of the following fields:
- Engineering (e.g., mechanical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, etc.) or
- Business (e.g., innovation management, entrepreneurship, technology management, business analytics, etc.)
- Demonstrated interest in research-to-business activities, technology transfer, or entrepreneurship.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken). Finnish language skills are beneficial.
- Self-driven attitude and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Additional skills considered beneficial for the work are:
- Familiarity with metal additive manufacturing or digital fabrication (preferred but not required).
- Experience in metal additive manufacturing Industry
- Experience in stakeholder outreach, startup ecosystems, or innovation projects.
- Basic knowledge of intellectual property or business model tools.
- Skills in report writing, presentation preparation, or social media communication
The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.
A person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. A person selected for the post of senior research fellow is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work.
Candidates who will graduate soon (master students) are also encouraged to apply. In these cases, the title is Research Assistant, and the duration of the contract is 6 months. If the relevant degree is obtained within these 6 months, the contracts will be upgraded to the correct title with the appropriate change in salary.
We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
- City of Turku
- Welcome visitor
- International House of Turku
- Working culture: infoFinland.fi
- This is Finland
- Careers in Southwest Finland
- Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)
The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.
The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.
Salary and trial period
The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a project researcher the salary will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2500 €/month and for a senior research fellow ca. 4200 €/month, depending on previous experience and skills. If a research assistant is hired for the position, the salary will be approximately 2200 €/month.
There is a trial period of six (6) months for the researcher position and three (3) month trial period for the research assistant positions.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 30 June, 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applications should include (in English):
- CV
- A publication list
- Copies of degree certificates (with translation in English or Finnish if applicable)
- Motivation letter with description of your commercialization and business development activities
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant professor Ashish Ganvir ashish.ganvir@utu.fi.
With questions about the application process, please contact: Sanna Hirvola sanna.hirvola@utu.fi.
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
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 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom 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.
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.