Project Researcher (PhD. Student) or Postdoctoral Researcher, Energy Technology (engine emission aftertreatment modelling and control)

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 sciences, technology and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

The position is offered initially for 2 years starting between November 2024 - January 2025 or at earliest possible date as agreed. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovation and under energy technology discipline (Efficient Powertrain Solutions research team, EPS) with close co-operation with the VEBIC Research Platform.

Your role

You will be part of an international Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS) research team working in multiple challenging projects, at the forefront of research and development of novel combustion engine technologies. The focus is on model-based development of advanced engine solutions supporting our industrial partners in conforming to straightening emissions and noise regulation in marine and off-road sectors. Our goal is to have an ultra-efficient, off-road engine meeting restrictive future emission regulations demonstrated in a relevant environment. This research project is related to green shift in off-road applications (marine, machinery), where conventional fossil fuels like diesel oil will be replaced with green, low-/zero-carbon fuels like methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and e-hydrocarbons with flexible mixtures. New green fuels or their combinations require development for engine combustion and further catalytic aftertreatment systems with 1D modelling and simulations based on engine-out emissions and ATS experiments.  To proceed in these goals, we are seeking for motivated researchers with experience with at least one of the listed fields:

• Knowledge of exhaust gas emission removal/aftertreatment and catalyst, experimental and modelling/simulation, for example Oxidation and SCR catalysts
• Control-oriented aftertreatment model development.  
• General Programing and Computer Code development        
• 1D engine or after treatment system modelling and simulation    

You will also be supporting the development of new project proposals in your field attracting new funding opportunities. 

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours. 

Requirements

• You have a master’s degree or a PhD in a relevant field. For example mechanical/process/chemical engineering, with a specialization in combustion engines or (emission) catalyst reactions. 
• You can utilize, develop and (or) integrate different modelling and simulation tools. Therefore, extensive familiarity with environments such as MATLAB/Simulink, GT-Power, GT-Suite is highly desired. Experience in CFD simulation environments can be a benefit.   
• Engine emission aftertreatment involves chemical reactions, as a result good knowledge on catalysts as well as chemical reaction mechanism and kinetics is a benefit.
• You have skills regarding laboratory system planning, chemical reactions, and testing. 
• Experience on engine aftertreatment experimental testing or basic knowledge of control methods and systems with combustion engines or catalytic systems is seen as an absolute merit. 
• Very good analytical skills to support R&D work in addition to good academic writing skills are highly advantageous for your candidature. Proven track record in relevant projects and high-quality journals/conferences/projects, on the topics related to the position, is an additional advantage. 
• You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems.
• You have good communication skills, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are open to sharing your knowledge with colleagues and ambitious to develop yourself as a researcher.
• Fluent written and spoken English language skills are mandatory in the position.

To be eligible for a full PhD student position, the candidate is required to participate in a separate application process which is arranged at least twice a year in order to be admitted and enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa. For more information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Graduate School's website: Doctoral education | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi) 

Inspirational work environment

Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS) Research group (former Renewable Energy) is part of Energy Technology track in the School of Technology and Innovations. We need open-minded, creative and skilled individuals to explore and develop the future energy solutions. We continuously develop all of our operations in cooperation with companies and other partners. We are strongly networked and responsible actors in research, education and public relations. As a work community, our team is diverse, international and encouraging. The cooperation and support of colleagues promotes well-being and inspires working.  More information about the School and the team.

Our team works in close cooperation with the VEBIC Research Platform. At the University of Vaasa, we conduct combustion engine research focused on advanced energy concepts and alternative fuels. We have a special focus on large bore-marine and stationary engines, for which we have unique research facilities at Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre (VEBIC). In close collaboration with industry, we are transforming the energy sector by bringing cutting-edge technology to real-world application. We welcome you to join one of the most fascinating energy innovation centres in the Nordic region as a researcher in combustion modelling and control. For more information about the facilities see:  More about VEBIC.

We offer 

We have a great value to both your personal and your professional development. Many opportunities exist for you to develop: conferences, courses, workshops, coaching, mentoring and international internships.

The salary will be based on both the job requirement and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The monthly salary of a Project Researcher (PhD Student) is based on job demand levels 2-4 (€ 2225-3300) and Postdoctoral Researcher on level 5 (€ 3213-3825). An additional personal salary component is included based on work performance.

How to apply 

To apply for this position, please use our online application system (using the “Leave an application” button below). The application, including appendices, has to be submitted using our online application database no later than 16^th October 2024. 

The application should include the following annexes in English (See instructions concerning these annexes: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments): 

• Curriculum vitae
• Additional attachment 1. Single-page cover letter describing your motivation for this topic of research
• Additional attachment 2. Transcript of study records in a PDF format

Further information about the position:

• Primary contact: Teuvo Maunula, Professor of practice; Catalytic Aftertreatment Systems, Energy Technology. School of Technology and Innovations
• Secondary contact: Maciej Mikulski,  Professor; Combustion Engine Technology, Energy Technology, EPS Research Group Leader. School of Technology and Innovations.
• Email: firstname.lastname (a) uwasa.fi

Inquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

The employment is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

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The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe’s largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society – internationally, nationally and regionally. Our community includes 5,000 students and 600 employees from 80 countries. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. Read more about Working at the University | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)