Senior University Lecturer in Energy Technology

Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a position as Senior University Lecturer in Energy Technology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FNT). The full-time position is permanent, starting in January 2023 or per agreement, and located in Vasa, Finland.  

Åbo Akademi has more than 100 years of experience in research and education in science and engineering. FNT Vaasa provides research and education in information technology and energy technology, where the activities are continuously expanding. Our goal is to increase examination on both doctoral- and master's level within the coming years. The education in Vaasa is done in cooperation with the education in Turku, the faculty’s staff includes more than 300 teachers and researchers. The unit in Vaasa is part of a close collaboration with three higher educational units in technology. For 10 years, the Faculty of Science and Engineering in Vaasa has also been a vital part of the energy technology hub EnergyVaasa. Hence the research and education ecosystem consists of more than 100 colleagues, 160 companies and 12 000 employees in the energy technology-sector.

The research in energy technology focuses on sustainable energy supply and more efficient, climate-neutral energy system-solutions. Some current areas for research collaboration in the Vaasa region are engine and gas technology, energy storage, the battery value chain and the digitalization of energy systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

A senior lecturer’s tasks include teaching and supervision as well as examination of theses at all levels of education. Moreover, the work includes independent practice of scientific research. Senior lecturers contribute to the continuous evaluation and development of the field of education. Two thirds of the working hours shall be dedicated to education, supervision and other duties. One third of the working hours are reserved for research. 

The teaching concerns courses within the Master's Programme in Chemical- and Process Engineering. The senior lecturer is responsible for coordinating the activities with Turku and acts as a contact person for other ÅAU subjects in Vaasa. The work duties include administrative assignments.

REQUIREMENTS

A senior lecturer is required to have a doctor’s degree and research merits that correspond to the scientific merits of a docent, as well as pedagogical competence.

When assessing the applicant’s qualifications for the position, the following criteria will be taken into consideration:

1. Pedagogical competence. When assessing teaching ability, the applicant's pedagogical ethos, pedagogical education, teaching and supervision experience relevant to the assignment, course evaluations and evaluation of the applicant's teaching, as well as participation in evaluation and pedagogical development are taken into account.
2. Scientific competence, which can include research merits such as scientific publications within the field.
3. Collaboration, which includes good collaborative skills and experience of administrative assignments.
4. Practical familiarity with the subject area.

The appointment will be made based on an overall evaluation of the applicants’ merits, experience and ability in view of the qualifications necessary for successful performance of the duties.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Excellent English skills are required. Requirements concerning language proficiency for teaching positions at Åbo Akademi University are prescribed in Section 78 of the Universities Act (Universitetslagen 558/2009) and in the Guideline for Proficiency in Swedish and Finnish Required of Teachers at Åbo Akademi University (in Swedish, 25.2.2010). 

For this position, non-Finnish or non-native Finnish citizens will be exempted from the requirement to have proficiency in Swedish or Finnish. However, as the administrative and teaching language of the university primarily is Swedish, the person appointed is expected to acquire such knowledge of Swedish that she or he will be able to participate successfully in teaching and administrative tasks in Swedish. The faculty will provide the employee support in acquiring the needed proficiency in Swedish.

SALARY

The salary of a senior lecturer follows requirement levels 6-7 in accordance with the requirement level table for teaching and research staff in the universities' salary system. In addition to the task-related demand level, an individual salary component based on performance is applied. Please see salary tables on: https://www.sivista.fi/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Salary-Scales-010923-and-010324.pdf

The annual working hours of research and teaching staff are 1612 h.

APPLICATION

Submit your electronic application via the ÅAU recruitment system no later than October 16 2023 at 15:00 (Finnish time). Please see guidelines on the electronic application. 

The application should include the following enclosures in English: 

1. A curriculum vitae (CV) in compliance with the TENK model (The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity), including a complete list of publications (please see guidelines).
2. A teaching portfolio (please see guidelines).
3. A separate list with links to a maximum of 5 publications that the applicant has chosen to demonstrate their competence.
4. A research vision (max. 4 pages) that includes the applicant’s view on the position and leadership, as well as vision for the future.

After the application period has ended, applicants may be asked to supplement their application with copies of grades, certificates and contact information for reference persons that the review panel can contact if necessary.

BENEFITS

You are welcome to join our dynamic and innovative international community! As a member of Åbo Akademi University staff, you will gain access to various competitive benefits. These include occupational health care services, modern teaching facilities, staff training and continuous learning, including the possibility to study both pedagogics and languages as well as a secure and welcoming campus environment.

Finland is a great and safe environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services, including affordable day care and free schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. For families, the town of Vasa offers pre-schooling in English (https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/early-childhood-education-and-schools/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-education-in-foreign-language/).

Occupational health and insurance

We support the wellbeing of our staff by offering comprehensive preventive occupational health services and general medical care. In addition, all staff are covered by Åbo Akademi University’s occupational accident insurance.

Sport services

The University offers its staff affordable sports services, which include e.g gym and group training-sessions. The activities are arranged by ÅAU Sports Vasa (https://blogs2.abo.fi/aausportsvasaenglish/). For employees in Vaasa it is also possible to get subsidized exercise vouchers.

Holiday bonus

A holiday bonus is paid in connection with July’s salary. The dimension of the holiday bonus is determined according to the Collective agreement for universities and increases in relation to the length of employment.

INFORMATION

For questions regarding the position, please contact Professor Margareta Björklund-Sänkiaho (margareta.bjorklund-sankiaho[a]abo.fi). For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Anna Lübchow (anna.lubchow[a]abo.fi).

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds within the scientific field in question to apply for the position. Åbo Akademi University works for equal gender distribution and diversity in all staff categories.

Application period starts: 2023-09-05 15:00 Application period ends: 2023-10-16 15:00