Tenure Track Associate Professor in Applied Organic Chemistry, Research Unit of Sustainable...

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.

We are now looking for a highly competent and motivated

Tenure Track Associate Professor

in Applied Organic Chemistry to join to the Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry to strengthen the current organic chemistry research.

The Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry located in the Faculty of Technology has 52 employees. The unit performs extensive chemistry research in the fields of 1) bioeconomy, and 2) inorganic circular economy. In the field of bioeconomy, the unit conducts research related to the utilization of lignocellulosic side streams as raw materials for high value-added products. The research topics include chemical modification of side streams to adsorbents and catalysts, conversion of side streams to platform chemicals as well as the preparation of biomass-based polymeric materials. Circular economy area conducts diverse research for the utilization of inorganic side and waste streams. Research topics are related to water treatment, fertilizers and recovery of precious metals. High-quality research related to Li-ion batteries is focused on cathode active materials, sustainable anode materials including biomass-based graphite, solid-state electrolytes and recycling of spent batteries. Collaboration with companies is intensive.

Job description

The aim of this position is to strengthen existing research on applied organic chemistry in the unit. Applicant should have deep understanding of organic chemistry and knowledge of material synthesis and characterization, especially the conversion, modification and utilization of organic waste and side streams or renewable raw materials to valuable chemicals, materials or products, also on a large scale. Illustrative example of research topic could be valorization of lignocellulosic side streams to industrial raw materials and new products. We exclude research topics related to organic food chemistry and medicinal chemistry because they are out of the scope of the Faculty’s strategy. In addition, nanocellulose research is excluded because research field is already well represented in the Faculty of Technology.

In this position you are expected to carry out applied research in the field of organic chemistry which results in high quality scientific publications. You should have expertise in applying research funding and strong international network. You will also be involved in the supervision of doctoral and undergraduate students and take part in the educational activities in the degree programs of Chemistry. The research field will form an integral part of the research unit. Therefore, it will involve working in close cooperation with the other researchers in the research unit.

What we expect

-          A doctoral degree in (organic) chemistry.

-          Evidence of international scientific research work, broad experience of experimental work and modern laboratory methods.

-          Teaching skills required in the position.

-          Ability to lead a research team.

-          Strong supervision (and/or line manager) experience, and work on project manager level tasks.

-          Demonstrated success in competitive research funding (e.g. European Union, Academy of Finland)

-          Proficient communication skills in English

-          Good collaboration skills as you are also expected to build connections between academic research and industrial partners.

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. Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website .

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position in the Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. On 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.

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

Salary

The salary will be based on the 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 salary will be approximately 4200-5000 € per month (before taxes). The position is fixed-term for five years starting 1.3.2023 or as soon as possible. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

 Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on 30.9.2022 (23:59 Finnish local time). Please include the following attachments in your application:

1)      A letter of motivation with contact information

2)      Curriculum vitaefollowing the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity

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)      Brief account of research merits (max 1 page)

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

6)      Details regarding 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.

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 analysis based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation, assessing the following merits:

• Scientific activities and their reflection in the publication record, scientific presentations, and such other recognitions as awards and patents
• Teaching activities and their evaluation (the teaching portfolio, including students’ evaluation)
• Supervision of theses
• Acquisition of competitive research funds
• International scientific activities and collaboration
• Services for the academic community
• Business and societal relevance and potential of the activities conducted.

 Further information about the application and selection procedures, please contact:

Professor Ulla Lassi

Head of Sustainable Chemistry Research Unit,

Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu,

Tel +358 (400) 294 090

Email: ulla.lassi(at)oulu.fi

P.O. Box 4300, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland