Tenure track position in Experimental Powertrain Research (Energy Technology)

The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business studies, technology, and administration and communication sciences. Scientifically grounded research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

We are now inviting applications for a Tenure track position in Experimental Powertrain Research (Energy Technology). 

The position will be filled either as a fixed-term Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position within the Tenure track system. The level is determined by the applicant's merits and career stage.

Background

The School of Technology and Innovations provides internationally recognized engineering and business education and research. The School's research strengths include computer vision, artificial intelligence methods, positioning technologies and systems, distributed automation systems, smart grids, quality and technology management, logistics, blockchain technology and flexible energy resources.

Energy Technology plays a pivotal role in our University Strategy to support the ecosystem in reaching the energy transition targets. The new professorship is positioned in Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS), the largest of the three Energy Technology research teams. EPS with more than 35 researchers, engineers and own state of the art powertrain testing labs is, at the same time, the largest research group in the University of Vaasa. We have strategic partnerships with several manufacturers of original powertrain systems in the marine, non-road mobile machinery and stationary power generation sectors. While focusing on internal combustion engines, we develop complete powertrain solutions starting from fuel-tailoring and reaching into emission and energy management solutions, the whole including hybrid systems. We are organized around methodological excellence, with dedicated expertise in the area of modeling and simulation, model-based powertrain control, rapid prototyping and powertrain testing. With over 3 MEu of annual research funding, we are able to combine scientific relevance and real-world impact, with a considerable share of our innovative solutions seeing real-world application. 

Job description and requirements

For this position of Assistant/Associate Professor we are looking for a promising researcher in a strong upswing, with documented scientific and applied impact particularly in the field of experimental combustion engine research. 

The prospective candidate needs to have a PhD in the relevant field (for instance Mechanical Engineering with specialty in combustion engines). We expect documented excellence and hands-on expertise in cutting edge techniques related to the field including subsystem design, measurement and instrumentation, combustion/performance/emission analysis. Applied orientation towards embedded powertrain control is considered an additional benefit over strictly fundamental engine research.

ln the position practical non-academic experience in the field is not required but can be considered beneficial. Due to strong emphasis on leading collaboration projects, however, a perfect candidate is an established researcher in the field, with relevant industry experience, or equivalent exposure through managing R2B projects in academia. We are looking for a hands-on oriented person with very strong research leadership and research communication skills.

Within the tasks the selected candidate will take direct responsibility for the Design of Experiments and Testing (DOEAT) division of EPS. This includes coordinating and acquiring new research projects and building impact with promoting high-quality publication. The targets are obtained through mentoring project researchers and doctoral candidates, continuous development of the testing infrastructure, and through close collaboration with other EPS divisions  and industry partners. (The other EPS divisions are Fuel and analytical chemistry; Modeling and Simulation, Model-based Control; Engineering.)

The tenure track position is research-oriented, but also include teaching and thesis supervision (MSc and doctoral level), applying for external research funding, and university administrative tasks. The annual working time is 1612 hours based on the general collective agreement for Finnish universities and tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan.  

For further detailed information about the requirements, criteria and our Tenure track procedure, please see: www.uwasa.fi/en/tenure-track

Salary and benefits

We are a truly international community of 5500 students and 650 staff members. We work in a unique environment at our maritime campus, with state of the art research laboratories and teaching facilities, located only a short walk away from the Vaasa city centre.

We invest in our employees' well-being and offer extensive occupational health care services, fitness and culture benefits, and a multitude of other activities to support well-being at work. Our flexible working hours and work options such as blended home/campus working contribute to a great work-life balance. Our commitment to support the career development of our personnel is visible in the broad offering of training and competence development opportunities.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ).  The annual starting salary (incl. holiday contributions) is approximately  

• Assistant Professor: €51,500 - € 55,700
• Associate Professor: €59,400 - € 64,200

Each University of Vaasa employee automatically belongs to a pension scheme and the majority part of the pension contributions is paid by the employer. We also have a versatile reward system in use. If you are moving to Finland from abroad, relocation services are available.

Applications

Applications are submitted using the University of Vaasa's electronic recruitment system (See the ‘Submit an application’ button below). In order for applications to be processed, the application form must be filled out and the enclosures listed below must be attached to it. The application period is open until midnight (Finnish time, EEST) October 4th, 2024.

1. Attachments in English:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Research plan (max 5 pages):  the research plan should detail the ways in which the candidate would direct their research from the perspective of their own discipline towards the focus of the position described in this call for applications and the strategic focus of the University of Vaasa’s research. The plan must include a description of the phenomena concerned, the perspective on the applicant's own subject and the added-value to be realized from analyzing the phenomena as well as possible partners. lt is beneficial if the plan also includes potential sources of external financing (programs or similar) and a publication plan.
• Teaching portfolio (complementary to the teaching merits listed in the CV) 

2. In addition, numbered according to the publication categories in the list of publications:

• Copies of no more than 10 publications that the applicant wishes to be taken into account when evaluating their competence and qualifications. The publications can, if needed, be merged into a maximum of 7 pdf-files.

Further information

• The position is located in Vaasa, Finland.
• Starting date: March 2025 or as agreed. 
• The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 6 months.
• More information about the position:
  • Dean Adam Raine Hermans, School of Technology and Innovations, tel. +358 29 449 8622
  • Professor Maciej Mikulski, School of Technology and Innovation; Energy Technology, tel. +358 449 8591 
  • Email: firstname.surname (a) uwasa.fi
• Enquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

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The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovations at the University of Vaasa. Read more about us: School of Technology and Innovations. 

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of one of the most thriving regions in Finland and the Nordic countries’ largest energy technology hub. The University of Vaasa is a valued partner in the hub, and well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society – internationally and nationally. More information about working with us: 

• https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions
• University of Vaasa's international rankings and accreditations 
• For new international employees at the University of Vaasa
• living in Vaasa: Vaasan kaupunki | Vasa stad | City of Vaasa
• living in Finland:thisisFINLAND