One Doctoral Student and One Postdoctoral Researcher for Seamless and Stretchable Wearable Device for Human Vital Sign Measurements

The North changes the world – 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.

Infotech Oulu Institute is one of the four strategic focus institutes at the University of Oulu supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities and doctoral training. Infotech’s science-based expertise meets global challenges determined in the strategy of the University of Oulu (UO) in the focus area” Digitalization and smart society” exploring how digitalization can work for everyone. The research topics include sensing and ubiquitous wireless sensor systems, wireless communication, and other novel services and systems. The research targets future information infrastructures and integrates aspects of technology adoption by complex human groups, communities, and societies.

We are now hiring

a Doctoral Student and a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join our multi-talented Microelectronics Research Unit (MIC) research group to carry out research on SmartBAN Enabled Human Vital Sign Measurements project. The associated project is a collaboration with Centre for Wireless Communications – Networks and Systems (CWC-NS).

The faculty, the research unit and research project

The positions are placed at the Microelectronics Research Unit (MIC, http://www.oulu.fi/microelectronics/ ), Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE, http://www.oulu.fi/itee ). Microelectronics Research Unit is an internationally recognized, high excellence and quality unit with significant scientific impact in the fields of micro and nano system technologies. The education and research fields are materials, devices, and their implementation technologies with special emphasis on electronics, photonics, and telecommunication applications.

The research is carried out in several multidisciplinary research groups in close co-operation with top research groups in Europe, Asia and USA and global and domestic industrial partners. Research projects are funded by the Academy of Finland, EU, and Business Finland among others. Scientific research of the Microelectronics Research Unit was evaluated 2013 in the international research assessment of the University of Oulu to the level 6 (max. 6). The research unit is a dynamic and inspiring high-level research environment with up-to-date facilities and equipment.

The open position relates to a project focusing on developing a seamless and stretchable wearable device for human vital sign measurements. In the joint project MIC focuses on developing stretchable devices for detecting physiological stimuli utilizing new materials and sensing technologies, and CWC-NS is focusing on ETSI SmartBAN protocol development. Research methods are based on stretchable sensor development with new materials and material characterization, and at the end of the project, we are aiming to prototype our research results.

The stretchable device development is focusing on three tasks: (i) mechanical sensors, (ii) radiation sensors and (iii) deformation insensible RF components.  Multiaxial mechanical sensors can be based on resonator structures that utilize advanced nanomaterials and innovative structures. Radiative stretchable sensors are developed, that respond to external stimuli when exposed to environmental conditions such as change of temperature, humidity or when exposed to UV-light. The deformation insensible RF components can be antennas, coils, resonators, etc. The integration work is the engineering work that enables components to work as a system. Target is to integrate stretchable sensors with WBAN into single sensor nodes. The sensor measurement data will be converted into digital form and transmitted using available WBAN solution.

Open position for a doctoral student

• The position relates to subject field of electronics devices and materials
• Main duties include contribution to research and development flexible and stretchable materials and components for wearable devices. The focus is on especially flexible and stretchable sensors
• Other tasks include development electronics for sensor characterization and building demonstrators

Qualification requirements for a doctoral student

• We expect a master’s degree in a field of electrical engineering, electronics, or corresponding field completed with excellent grades
• The successful candidate must have open-minded and enthuastic approach for research
• You are fluent in English and have good multi-cultural communication skills
• We expect suitability to independent research work as well as solid teamwork skills
• You have a positive mindset and the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds

Please also see the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission

Open position for a postdoctoral researcher

• The position relates to subject field of electronics devices and materials
• Main duties include contribution to research and development flexible and stretchable materials and components for wearable devices. The focus is on especially on deformation insensible devices as radiation sensors (temperature, UV exposure etc.) and/or RF components
• Other tasks include development electronics for demonstrators that are WBAN compatible

Qualification requirements for a postdoctoral researcher

• We expect a doctoral degree in a field of electrical engineering, electronics, or corresponding field. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• The successful candidate must have at least five years research / work experience in the related research field
• You are fluent in English and have good multi-cultural communication skills
• We expect suitability to independent research work as well as solid teamwork skills
• You have a positive mindset and the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds

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 flexible and stretchable electronics for wearable devices.
• University´s wide variety of support services are 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 sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The employed persons will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. 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

The salary of the selected doctoral student will be in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system for teaching and research personnel level 2-4. 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. 2400-2500€ per month (before taxes).

The salary of the selected postdoctoral researcher will be in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system for teaching and research personnel level 5-6. 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. 3500-4000€ per month (before taxes).

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by October 31st , 2021 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)     List of publications based on 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/ [with ten most important indicated]

4)     A research plan, max. 3 pages

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate (Postdoctoral Researcher position) or of the original Master's degree certificate (Doctoral Student position) and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English 

6)     Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information

The doctoral student position is fixed term for maximum 4 years from 1st of January 2022 and ending 31.12.2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

The postdoctoral researcher position is fixed term for 2 years from 1st of January 2022. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

For further information, please contact University Lecturer Jari Hannu, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE), Microelectronics research unit, [email protected].

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