Junior researcher (doctoral student) in mechanical engineering

The LUT School of Energy Systems is looking for a junior researcher in mechanical engineering to strengthen its High-Performance Composites Team. Specifically, we are looking for a curious mind who is aiming for an academic career and is passionate about studying how to develop the next generation of sustainable flax fibre-reinforced bio-based polymer composites. The research will focus on understanding how defects, uncertainties, and damage propagate across scales through experimental and computational approaches. 

The ideal candidate for the position

• is interested in writing a dissertation on any of the following areas of research: mechanics of composites, image-based finite element modelling, X-ray computed tomography, multiscale methods (experimental and computational), composite manufacturing, fibre/matrix interface;
• has at least basic knowledge of the mechanics of materials, basic theories of solid mechanics (including classical lamination theory), finite element modelling, and data analysis and processing.

Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., mechanical engineering, materials engineering or materials science), and the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University. Junior researchers need to obtain the right to complete doctoral studies at LUT within the first three months of their employment relationship.

Employment relationship and pay

The job is located in Lappeenranta. The employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period and can be extended by three years provided that the studies have progressed satisfactorily. 

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros a year (plus a holiday bonus in accordance with the collective agreement). 

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 22 September 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC+3).

Please send your application through the university’s online application system with the following attachments:

• a motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• a curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
• a research plan proposal describing the research you would like to conduct on the topics listed above (max. 3 pages)
• a copy of your academic degree certificate and transcript of records; if the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish 

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. Please submit all the application materials in English. 

Further information

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Humberto Almeida, Jr., firstname.lastname@lut.fi

Read more about LUT as an employer.

Read more about the information for international staff. 

Read more about LUT Doctoral School.  

LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are the world’s ninth best university for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.