Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of mining geotechnics

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for talented, innovative, and driven

Postdoctoral Researcher

for a 3-year position.

You will join the Cementitious binders and materials recycling group at the Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, which is a successful and world-leading research group in the field of utilization of industrial side streams and low-CO2 cements. The multicultural research group consists of 50 people; 3 professors, 15 doctors and 24 doctoral researchers. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in attracting competitive funding including Horizon Europe and the Research Council of Finland programmes.

About the job

The position is part of EU Horizon Europe project  "REESOURCE: Unlocking the supply of rare earth elements in Europe through responsible, sustainable and Decarbonised innovative technologies". The project is focused on enhancing key technologies of raise mining to foster “invisible mining”, with minimal socioenvironmental impact and lower CO2 emissions’ .

Your research will focus on developing a novel stabilization technique for tailings, making them suitable for backfilling, and other applications in mine sites and avoiding the need for tailing ponds;  valorize the tailings through a Circular Economy approach, to make them suitable for expanded value chains as geopolymers (or other binder systems) for construction applications.

Your task will be to carry out multidisciplinary research with state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including laboratory work, inorganic material analyses, and the development of novel approach using tailings for utilization in mines onsite applications.

You will carry out research work within a research team, manage the project-related activities, report the interim results, be responsible for project deliverables and publish research results in leading international scientific journals.

What we expect

• We are looking for a team player with solid research skills
• Strong experience in construction materials, especially in geotechnical field
• Experience in designing and planning mine backfill, stabilization, neutralization, shotcrete or other mining applications
• Experience in characterization techniques specific to materials for mine sites
• Doctoral degree in Geotechnical engineering, mining engineering, geo-environmental engineering, or from other relevant field
• Excellent level of English as working language in spoken and written

Scientific publications, thesis supervision, activity in the scientific community and practical familiarity with the field in question will be used as selection criteria.

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills
• Experience in thermodynamic modelling or analytical software
• Experience in mine sites or related industries

What we offer?

• You will become a part of a highly talented research group, that is working on strategically and globally significant research area.
• You will receive support from your team and supervisor, so that you can excel in your research.
• Possibility to co-supervise PhD/Master thesis works.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 1.3.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the level 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3400-4200 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.2.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Academic certificates and transcripts (in English)
2. Detailed CV with list of scientific publications
3. Motivation letter (in English)
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Language proficiency certificates, if available.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact,

Senior Researcher Priyadharshini Perumal, priyadharshini.perumal@oulu.fi.

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2024/5
Contact:

1. Priyadharshini Perumal,

Published: 2024-01-15
Last application date: 2024-02-10