Doctoral Researcher in Electrical Energy Engineering (DSII)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant to industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. 

DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.

The partner company for this position is Fortum Renewables Oy which is a subsidiary of a Nordic energy company Fortum Oyj. Fortum’s purpose is to power a world where people, businesses and nature thrive together. Fortum generates and delivers clean energy reliably and helps industries to decarbonise their processes and grow. Fortum’s core operations in the Nordics comprise of efficient, CO2-free power generation as well as reliable supply of electricity and district heat to private and business customers.

The position is situated in The Electrical Engineering unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences.

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of renewable energy and energy systems. The goals are:

1. Find out what kind of requirements the ongoing increase of variable renewables imposes on various components of the energy system.
2. Study how the components should be planned, sized and controlled to render large-scale grid integration of renewable energy sources on a sustainable and economically optimal way.
3. Develop novel guidelines and methods for enabling 100% renewable energy system in the Nordic market in a sustainable and reliable way enhancing security of supply.

The position of a Doctoral Researcher offers you an opportunity to concentrate on your doctoral studies while receiving high-quality supervision and encouragement to develop your ideas within an innovative and multidisciplinary research environment with industry. The doctoral research concentrates on 100% renewable energy system in the Nordic market with different flexibility options and ancillary services focusing especially on hybrid photovoltaic–wind–storage systems. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry. The tasks of doctoral researchers also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Asst. Prof. Kari Lappalainen. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives. By participating in DSII events, excursions, meetings and training sessions with your fellow doctoral students, you will both get and provide peer support and make your own contribution to the development of DSII.

Requirements

The position requires:

• An applicable master’s degree in electrical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering
• Knowledge of renewable energy and energy systems in the Nordic countries
• Motivation and ability to complete doctoral studies
• A good command of both spoken and written English

We appreciate that you would have at least some of the following:

• Knowledge of energy storage systems
• Interest in renewable energy and sustainable future
• Basics of Matlab Simulink
• Work experience in energy sector

You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. You should be ready to work as part of the research group at Tampere University and in close co-operation with the team of Fortum. Candidates are selected based on the level of promise that they show, and this will be evaluated based on their success in previous studies (especially in M.Sc. thesis), and other merits. Please, be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested.

Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in December 2024 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. 

Remote work opportunities are agreed separately when needed.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2750 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.  

We invite you to participate a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems is delivering state of the art research in several energy transition related topics.

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop vital skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus, and several on-campus restaurants and cafés with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University. 

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 25 November 2024 (23:59 EET / UTC + 2). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template (including the contact details of two referees).
• List of publications
• Degree certificates
• Transcript of records (master's degree studies).

For further information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Kari Lappalainen, kari.lappalainen@tuni.fi

Senior Solar Technology Manager Eero Vartiainen, eero.vartiainen@fortum.com

Application period starts: 2024-10-14 10:00 Application period ends: 2024-11-25 23:59