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 are looking for a project researcher / doctoral researcher in the field of industrial engineering and management / circular economy/energy technology to join the research group of professor Oskar Karlström in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, unit of Industrial Engineering and Management. The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible according to mutual agreement. The ending date of the task is 31 May 2027.
Job description
The Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher is responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of international benchmarking studies, as well as compiling the project’s research results. The role also includes leading thematic and advisory webinars and co-creation workshops related to green energy, collecting feedback, and presenting results in collaboration with the project manager. The work is part of the project: "ENERGY! Green energy business for sustainable growth in Satakunta”.
Who we are looking for
Requirements
Successful candidates for the doctoral researcher/project researcher position should have an MSc degree in industrial engineering and management, chemical engineering, materials engineering, energy technology, mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
The following skills are essential for a successful completion of the project:
- Technical basic skills and a comprehensive understanding, as provided by education in the aforementioned subjects.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to organize and facilitate workshops.
Additional skills considered beneficial for the work are:
- Ability to communicate in Finnish, both orally and in writing.
- Basic concepts of energy technology.
- Fundamentals of sustainability assessment (e.g., LCA).
The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of doctoral researcher/project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. In addition, when acquiring their degree or otherwise, a doctoral researcher is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan. In this position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies (in Spring 2026) in University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria here: https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs.
In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English. Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We 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 quality label. The label 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:
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 doctoral researcher / project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2400–2600 €/month.
There is a trial period of six (6) months for the doctoral researcher/project researcher.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 12 December 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applications should include:
- CV
- a publication list
- degree diplomas
- transcripts of records
- motivation letter.
Please provide also the names and contact details of two professional references on your motivation letter. In your application, you can tell more details about your studies, future study plans and suitability for the research project.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Oskar Karlström oskar.karlstrom@utu.fi
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Sarian Kotka sjkkot@utu.fi
