The University of Oulu is part of the international scientific community producing new scientific knowledge and science-based solutions related to problems of society. The University of Oulu is committed to educate future pioneers for building a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new knowledge, taking responsibility, and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. The specialized research and service units of the University of Oulu enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields. Doctoral researchers in the University of Oulu are part of an international, multidisciplinary scientific community. Doctoral training is coordinated by the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).
We are now looking for one full-time
Doctoral researcher
for a maximum of two years, starting at the earliest on 01.03.2023 in a research project of Docent/Dr. Elisangela Heiderscheidt in the Water Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology, in collaboration with Associate Professor Anna Mikola from Aalto University and Dr. Maarit Liimatainen from the Natural Resources of Finland (Luke). The applied position is under the Climate Impact of Sanitation in Finland (CIS-Fin, 2023-2026) project funded by Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki ry.
Project description
The recently funded CIS-Fin project aims to generate critically needed data regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Finnish centralized wastewater treatment plants and to produce first-hand knowledge on GHG emissions from decentralized small-scale and on-site wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, the project will also bring about novel information on wastewater-related GHG emissions occurring in the immediate area where wastewater treatment facilities discharge their effluent (water body or soil).
The advertised position will focus on investigating GHG emissions from decentralized small-scale wastewater treatment systems and their surrounding environment. A multi-angle approach will be used where gas measurements will be combined with wastewater quality analysis, process characterization and system performance assessment to generate the required data and knowledge for the estimation of the combined climate impact of centralized and decentralized sanitation systems in Finland. The position is supervised by the Docent/ Dr. Elisangela Heiderscheidt and Dr. Maarit Liimatainen
Requirements and qualifications
Assessment of the applicant’s qualifications will be based on the following criteria:
- Master´s degree in the fields of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Water and or Sanitation Engineering, Biology (or another equivalent degree) is necessary.
- Hands-on experience in laboratory work related to water, soil or gas analysis.
- Hands-on experience in environmental sampling (water, soil or gas) and field measurements.
- Knowledge of statistical methods and the ability to use software and tools such as e.g., R, GIS, MATLAB are an advantage.
- Ability to pursue independent work and excellent writing and fluency in English is expected
- Fluency in Finnish is a significant advantage
- Driver’s license is essential
The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.
What we offer
- We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of hydrology and water resources management, water engineering, sanitation and water supply, applied microbiology and environmental impact assessment.
- University´s wide variety of support services is at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
- In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, support for sports services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competencies.
- Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
- The employed person will be insured by the university. The Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example, possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.
Salary and key terms
The salary of selected doctoral researcher will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, supplementary remuneration is given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2200 – 2600 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and the progress of the doctoral thesis.
The position is fixed term for a maximum of two years starting earliest on 1st of March 2023 and ending latest on March 31, 2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the online system by January 15th, 2023, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):
- Complete CV containing contact information of at least two referees and a list of journal and conference publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
- Motivation letter describing prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
- Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). 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.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile expected for the position may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.
For further information
Dr. Elisangela Heiderscheidt
Elisangela.heiderscheidt@oulu.fi
Docent Wastewater Engineering
Water Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit
About Oulu, Finland
Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Living in Oulu is easy – everything is only max. 20 minutes away! Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu
