Project Researcher or Research Assistant, Energy Technology (Energy Harvesting)

At the University of Vaasa, we think out of the box in order to build a sustainable future. We are a university that invests in the quality of research and teaching in order to tackle the challenges of our time. We educate responsible and internationally-minded leaders and experts. We are well known for our high-quality education and inspirational teachers. Our expertise in the fields of business studies, technology, administrative sciences and communication forms the core of our university. Our discipline-based research is complemented by our phenomenon-driven research platforms.  

We are offering a fixed term position of Project Researcher or Project Assistant  starting in June 2024 or as agreed and ending in December 2025. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovations at the Energy Harvesting team (energy technology discipline).

The tasks are mainly located at the research and development laboratory Technobothnia in Vaasa, where all the needed labs and equipment are located. The position requires working in a laboratory, but part of the work can also be flexibly carried out remotely. The position is full-time, but part-time wishes are also considered, for example combined with the studies.

The main goals of the research project is to develop and demonstrate generic energy-autonomous solutions based on energy harvesting (energy collection) and storage for various industrial applications. Potential areas of application for the technology being developed are e.g. IoT, wireless data transmission, ICT, electronics, measurement technology, automation and maintenance. The aim of the work is to develop equipments that can collect energy from the changes in the environment, e.g. electromagnetic fields, temperature differences, vibration and movement, as well as chemical phenomena. This collected energy is used to power electronics, various sensors and wireless data transmission.

Your role

Your more detailed job description is specified according to your study and skills background, but the tasks will include one or more of the following:

• design, manufacture and optimization of energy collection modules (e.g. capacitive, inductive, thermoelectric, chemical, kinetic), 
• design and manufacture of energy management electronics and energy storage, connecting measurement sensors to the system, connecting wireless data transfer and IoT devices (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi and LoraWan) to the system,
• in addition to this, the person participates in the separately defined laboratory work and business cooperation and its development.

It is possible to write theses on the results of the work.

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

Requirements

Successful task management requires  practical knowledge of electrical engineering or electronics (student in electrical engineering or electronics, Master's degree in electrical Engineering or electronics). We expect that you are interested and motivated in the developing of new technologies. We especially appreciate the experience in the laboratory work and electronics equipment construction. Fluent written and spoken Finnish or English language skills are mandatory in the position.

Inspirational work environment

The position is situated in the School of Technology and Innovations within the team of Energy Harvesting (Energy Technology). 

Teams in the field of energy technology are innovative, focused on modern technology that has a high level of significance in international business operations. We need open-minded, creative and skilled individuals to explore and develop the future energy solutions, decentralised electrical energy distribution systems, smart electricity grids, flexible hybrid energy production, modern fuel combustion engine technology and related bio fuels, energy storages and power electronics. 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: School of Technology and Innovations | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi) 

Salary

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 is based on job demand levels 2-4 (€ 2182-2720) and monthly salary for a Research Assistant is based on demand levels 1 (€ 1984). An additional personal salary component is paid based on work performance.

How to apply 

To apply for this position, please use our online application system (www.uwasa.fi/openings). The application, including appendices, has to be submitted using our online application database no later than 30th April 2024. 

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

• CV. Use of CV template is required.

Further Information

Further information about the position:

• Research Director Pekka Ruuskanen, email: pekka.ruuskanen (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) 

Also find out about the University of Vaasa's international rankings and accreditations, as well as research evaluation: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/university/rankings-accreditations-and-evaluations