PhD in 3 years: Four Doctoral Researchers in I-DEEP, in the area of photonics at The University of Oulu

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for

Four Doctoral Researchers

To join us in the doctoral pilot program. The doctoral pilot program Innovative Doctoral Education Ecosystem for Photonics I-DEEP is coordinated by Tampere University and gathers together all Finnish universities with research activities in light-based technologies. The I-DEEP consortium is part of the Flagship for Photonics Research and Innovation PREIN, which is a leading international photonics research hub dedicated to light-based technologies.

The University of Oulu opens four 3-year positions starting 1.8.2024 and 1.1.2025. The thesis topics for this call are the following:

• Tunable graphene-based metamaterials for spectroscopy applications, starting 1.8.2024. Contact person: Professor Tapio Fabritius, tapio.fabritius@oulu.fi
• Study of miniaturized time-resolved diffuse optics to measure biosignal starting 1.8.2024. Contact person: Professor Ilkka Nissinen, ilkka.nissinen@oulu.fi
• Study on the use of narrow bandgap, perovskite-structured ferroelectric materials for photovoltaic and optoelectric applications, starting 1.1.2025. Contact person: Professor Yang Bai, yang.bai@oulu.fi
• Novel platform for microvascular disease monitoring and advanced hemodynamics imaging using VCSEL-based technology, starting 1.1.2025. Contact person: Adjunct Professor Alexander Bykov, alexander.bykov@oulu.fi

Qualification requirements

The chosen doctoral researchers will also be expected to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Eligibility for study rights will be evaluated during the job application process. We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfill the following criteria:

• Must hold a master's degree or equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in relevant fields. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided their Master’s or equivalent degree is finished by April 30th, 2024.
• Must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e. at least 60 % of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis)
• Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.

We view it as a benefit if you are a highly motivated candidate with good communication, teamwork skills, capability for independent work, and organizational skills.

What we offer

• You will become a part of a highly experienced research group with modern research facilities, working on strategically and globally significant research areas of digitalization, sustainability, and electrification.
• You will receive support not only from your team and supervisor but also from the university´s wide variety of support services so that you can excel in your studies and research/work.
• A competitive salary is paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -a quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

Doctoral researchers’ salary follows the Finnish university salary system (for teaching and research personnel): A Doctoral researcher level 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The typical starting salary for a Doctoral researcher is approx. 2500-2800€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of six months will be applied to the position.

The position is filled for a fixed three-year period. The degree must have been completed within three years. The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1612 hours per year, which gives doctoral researchers the freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 28.4.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here. Letter should also include potential specific interests in (pilot, unit).
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, including a list of any peer-reviewed scientific publications (with full reference details). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
• Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should contain information about the background and significance of the research (you can use Impact Helper tool), a description of the intended objectives and methods, and a preliminary schedule.

Note:

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

1. Tapio Eero Juhani Fabritius,