The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university offering interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. At the Faculty of Technology, the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering brings together experts in physics, chemistry and engineering in a drive towards innovative materials engineering for future technologies and key societal challenges.
The Materials for Flexible Devices Group at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in Materials Science, Nanofabrication, or Electrical Measurements to join our team as a Doctoral researcher or Project researcher. This fixed-term position in the DURATRANS project will start on 1.5.2025 or earlier according to mutual agreement, and will end on 30.4.2027. There may be a possibility for an extension.
Candidates who will graduate soon (master students) or are willing to make a MSc thesis as part of the project are also encouraged to apply. In this case, the job title is research assistant and the duration of the contract is 6 months. In this case, after graduation, there is a possibility to continue as project researcher / doctoral researcher.
About DURATRANS
DURATRANS addresses the critical need for durable and stretchable transparent conductive surfaces in flexible electronics. Current materials like ITO and conducting polymers face limitations in sustainability and conductivity, while nanowires, despite their promise, often exhibit limited lifespans and reduced transparency-to-conductivity ratios in films. DURATRANS aims to develop groundbreaking solutions by integrating sustainable polymers, nanowires, and bioinspired assembly principles. These innovative surfaces are expected to revolutionize applications in optogenetics, wearable healthcare devices, and next-generation flexible electronics.
DURATRANS is coordinated by the University of Turku in collaboration with partners from the University of Zagreb (Croatia), Diginnocent S.R.O. (Czech Republic), and Tampere University (Finland), and is funded by the Research Council of Finland under the M-ERA.Net framework (2024–2027).
Responsibilities
- Synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of 1D/2D materials.
- Nanofabrication of conductive surfaces.
- Perform experiments on flexible electronic devices and analyze data using MATLAB.
- Collaborate with researchers and team members within the unit and project partners.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.
Who we are looking for
Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials (e.g., nanowires).
- Knowledge of electronic devices and flexible electronics.
- Proficiency in MATLAB software.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (knowledge of Finnish is an advantage).
The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of project researcher / doctoral researcher is required to have a higher university degree. In addition, a doctoral researcher is required to have demonstrated an ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.
For the position of doctoral researcher, the degree must be completed before the end of the application period. In this position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies (in this Autumn 2025) in University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs/dpt/admission. In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English.
We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
The University of Turku offers a collaborative, dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. International networking opportunities, including partnerships with leading institutions, are integral to the project. The university also provides comprehensive support for professional growth and well-being.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
- City of Turku
- Welcome visitor
- International House of Turku
- Working culture: infoFinland.fi
- This is Finland
- Careers in Southwest Finland
- Finland – a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)
Why Join Us?
By joining the DURATRANS project, you will contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses sustainability and technological challenges in flexible electronics. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with international partners and shape the future of transparent conducting surfaces.
Salary and trial period
The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a doctoral researcher / project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2400-2500 €month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for the doctoral researcher/project researcher. If a research assistant is hired for the position, the salary will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2100 €/month. There is a three (3) month trial period for the research assistant.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by 24th of February, 2025 (16:00 EET), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies. The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job).
Applications should include:
- CV
- Degree diplomas with transcripts of records
- Cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages)
- Contact information for two references.
Further information
For further information on the position contact A. Prof. Vipul Sharma (Vipul.sharma(at)utu.fi).
For questions related to the application process, contact HR specialist Janna Salminen (janna.j.salminen(at)utu.fi)
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.
The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.
The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.
