Associate Professor (Tenure Track), materials technology, in particular battery technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious Associate Professor (materials technology, in particular battery technology) for a Tenure Track position in the faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology. The post will be based on the Kuopio campus and will be filled from 1 May 2024. Please find more information below, and submit your application by 4 December 2023.

Role and salary

In connection with the start of technology education and research at the University of Eastern Finland, the Department of Technical Physics will shift the focus of its material technology research. The material technology research of the Department of Technical Physics will increasingly focus on battery materials and, in particular, on the development of materials and technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of battery cells used in batteries.

UEF currently has about 10 battery researchers and the number is expected to double in the next five years. Research is also supported by a comprehensive range of material characterisation methods and a 1-million-euro investment in a new battery testing laboratory during 2024.

The post of Associate Professor (Tenure Track) is located in the material technology research group of the Department of Technical Physics, which has developed battery materials for over ten years. The post offers a unique opportunity to participate in the design of future battery technologies and to contribute positively to the promotion of green transition.

The duties of the Associate Professor include the acquisition of external research funding for material technology, in particular battery technology, the launching and management of research projects, high-quality publishing activities, and related teaching and supervision duties. The post of the Associate Professor strengthens the university’s research in material technology and supports the implementation and development of Master’s level education in technical physics. The language of instruction in the post is English.

The position will be filled for a fixed term from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2028. The position is filled for a fixed term due to it being a Tenure Track position. A probationary period is applied to new members of the staff.

External expert evaluation will be used in the recruitment and the Appointments Committee preparing the filling of the post will interview the applicant after the experts have submitted their statements.

The salary of the post is based on the salary system for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. The salary consists of a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job-related salary element is based on level 7 of the job requirement level chart. In addition, a personal salary element is paid, which is 6-50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary at the beginning of the employment is approximately EUR 5,015-5,230/month.

In the currently vacant position, the Tenure Track can be entered from the Associate Professor level onwards. At the end of the term, the achievements of the person will be evaluated to determine whether they can proceed to the next level of the Tenure Track without public notice of vacancy. The criteria, goals and results to be achieved during the term in order to be legally invited to a professorship in the field will be agreed upon in detail with the appointee when signing the contract of employment.

Expectations and merits

We expect you to:

• Hold a suitable doctoral degree in material technology, chemistry, physics or a similar field.
• Have good teaching skills.
• Have strong expertise in battery material technology.
• Have a track record of high-quality research and publication activities.
• Have the ability to acquire external research funding.
• Have excellent spoken and written skills in the English language.
• Fulfil the qualification requirements of a professor by the end of the Tenure Track term.

The following will be considered an advantage:

• Experience of teaching duties and the development of Master’s level education in technology.
• An extensive international research network.
• Leadership experience.

We offer you

• A diverse and significant position in an international, creative, participatory and inclusive university community.
• The opportunity to influence the scope of your duties and for flexible multi-location work.
• The staff benefits of the University of Eastern Finland, including comprehensive occupational health care, extensive provision of staff training, affordable lunch in our campus restaurants, Sykettä sports services, and a tax-free bike benefit.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 4 December 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

• CV (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
• List of publications (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
• Portfolio of teaching merits (https://www.uef.fi/en/open-positions, can be found under the title Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology -> Instructions for preparing a portfolio of teaching merits).
• Copies of your academic degree certificates/diplomas, and copies of certificates/diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas.
• Motivation letter.
• Other documents you wish to include to demonstrate your merits for the position.

The application and attachments are requested to be submitted in English in case the international external experts are used in the evaluation.

Questions? 

For further information on the positions, please contact Professor Vesa-Pekka Lehto, e-mail: vesa-pekka.lehto@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 445 3355.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact Human Resources Coordinator Noora Hämäläinen, e-mail: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 445 8302.