Tenure Track Associate Professor in Sustainable Primary Metallurgy of Steelmaking, Process Metallurgy Research Unit

We at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, 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. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

The Process Metallurgy Research Unit is experienced in understanding reactions, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and mass and heat transfer phenomena in high-temperature processes. The research work is focused on four areas: (1) reduction metallurgy, (2) primary and refining metallurgy, (3) utilization of waste materials (dusts, sludges and slags) produced in the metallurgical industry and (4) development of new measuring methods for high-temperature processes.  The research is largely technology-oriented with emphasis on fundamental research in the area of materials characterization. Further details are available at http://www.oulu.fi/en/casr/ and https://www.oulu.fi/en/process-metallurgy.

We are now looking for a highly competent and motivated candidates to apply for
Tenure Track Associate Professor Position in Sustainable Primary Metallurgy of Steelmaking in the Faculty of Technology to strengthen our team in the primary and refining metallurgy research area at the Process Metallurgy Research Unit.

Job description

You will carry out your research and education in the area of Primary Steelmaking Metallurgy. The research will concentrate on the study of primary furnace metallurgy of carbon and stainless steelmaking focusing on the electric arc furnace (EAF) and converter processes (e.g. AOD, BOF and ferrochrome converter). The work focuses on studying the effect of high-temperature phenomena on the overall process performance using mathematical modelling (fundamental and data-driven) and supporting laboratory-scale measurements (crucible experiments, thermogravimetry, and physical modelling). The research is also linked to the development needs of the upstream (reduction) and downstream (secondary metallurgy and casting) processes.

You will conduct research, publish in leading international journals, supervise doctoral students and be an active member of the international scientific community. You assist the unit in acquiring external funding and pursue academic collaboration both within the University of Oulu and external research partners. You are active in building a collaborative effort within the university towards the development of research activities in sustainable primary steelmaking metallurgy. In addition, you take part in developing the teaching activities in the research unit.

What we expect

Our tenure track is positioned for exceptionally talented researchers with a high potential to advance in their careers. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score), in order to be recruited.

We expect you to have an applicable doctoral degree in metallurgy as well as evidence of scientific research work and the teaching skills required in the position. You must have the ability to lead a research group and we expect you to be familiar with the most common funding instruments such as the Academy of Finland, Business Finland and the European Union. To succeed in the position, you are required to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation. We also appreciate the know-how and experience in industrial R&D.

Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website  including the Tenure Track guidelines.

What we offer

We offer you a fixed-term 5-year contract for an interesting and versatile position in the Process Metallurgy Research Unit and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. On the tenure track, you have a guaranteed opportunity to advance your career through external evaluations at regular intervals. Furthermore, we offer the development opportunities of a big organisation with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services. Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example, the possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Salary

The salary will be based on levels 6–7 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).  The starting EUR salary will be approximately €3500 - 4800 per month (before taxes). In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare.

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on Monday, 31st January 2022. Please include the following attachments in your application:

1)      A letter of motivation with contact information

2)       Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)      A complete list of publications preferably with DOI identifications, with the ten most important ones marked, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland:  https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/   

4)      A brief account of research merits (max 1 page)

5)      A brief account of teaching merits or a teaching portfolio (max 2 pages)

6)      Details regarding the acquisition of research funds (max 2 pages)

7)      A brief research and action plan (max 3 pages)

8)      Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation.

Selection process

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines . The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses  based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation. Top candidates will be interviewed. The interview will include a demonstration lecture and a personal interview.

Further information

The position is fixed-term for 5 years as of 1st of June, 2022 or in August 2022 at the latest. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Further details are available from Professor Timo Fabritius, [email protected] , +358 40 5546683.

About Finland and the City of Oulu: For the fourth year in a row, Finland has been evaluated as the world's happiest country according to the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report survey data. The capital of Northern Finland, the City of Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. The city is also known for its highly educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Oulu enjoys the high standard of living Finland is known for, while the cost of living is still affordable in national comparison. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu