Postdoctoral Researcher in Tribology and Surface Modification

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The Materials Science and Environmental Engineering Unit of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in tribology. The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2 years.

The Tribology and Surface Modification research group performs multi-disciplinary research in different aspects of tribology and fatigue. The primary research of the group is related to the application of surface modification technologies to the studies of tribology, mechanical behavior of materials, wear and fatigue degradation/fracture mechanisms, and mechanical characterizations of various materials, including metals, coatings, and ceramics. 

Job description

The Tribology and Surface Modification research group is now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the improvement of the tribological, tribo-corrosion, mechanical and fatigue properties of various materials by surface severe plastic deformation (S2PD) method and on shedding light on the degradation and failure mechanisms. 

Our main goals are to improve the reliability and service life of mechanical components and systems to reduce maintenance costs and energy by providing advanced tribological expertise and solutions. In addition, we are interested in performing experimental and numerical tests of tribology, tribo-corrosion, and fatigue of mechanical components to investigate the nanostructure-property relationship as well as implementing them in practical and industrial applications effectively. The precise research topic to work on can be decided based on the candidate`s research background and interests. 

Requirements 

The position is intended for Ph.D. holders in Mechanical Engineering and/or Materials Science with a background in tribology, fatigue and surface treatment. The position requires research experience and skills to carry out experiments or to run numerical simulations to investigate the effect of the surface treatment process on wear behavior and fatigue life in order to predict the estimated service life. We expect competence to pursue independent scientific work and adequate teaching skills. You should be fluent in spoken and written English and have solid experience in writing scientific publications and research proposals. 

We require: 

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently
• High motivation and interest in Tribology and Surface Engineering
• Good communicational skills and ability to collaborate with members of the research group and other stakeholders

We appreciate: 

• Programming skills and experience in the use of simulation tools, like the finite element method (NX, ANSYS, ABAQUS, etc.)
• Expertise in surface modification process simulation and modeling

What we offer

The postdoctoral researcher will be hired for a fixed term period of 2 years. The start date is anytime, preferably as soon as possible, and will be mutually agreed between the parties. Trial period of six months applies to all our new hires.

The salary will be based on both the position requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a postdoctoral research fellow is placed on level 5-6 of the job requirements scale. In addition to the basic salary, a supplementary salary will be paid according to personal performance, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Typical starting salary is 3600 - 4200 euros per month in total.

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational healthcare services, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities, and a safe and inviting campus area.

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland 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 center of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshments throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application in English using the university's electronic application form (link below). The closing date for applications is 31.10.2023 (23:59 EEST (GMT+3).

Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

Applications should include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (following TENK guidelines)
• List of publications (following Academy of Finland guidelines)
• Letter of motivation
• Doctoral diploma in the original language with an official translation in English (if the original language is other than Finnish or English)
• Reference letters or reference contact information from 1-2 people. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide them later
• Motivation letter (max 3 pages incl. research directions):
  • Introduction of yourself and your qualifications
  • Previous research directions and main research results
  • Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in

Selection process

The recruitment process takes place in two stages, supervised by a host professor

• Study of the written application: CV + motivation letter and other required documents
• Selection interview: in person or by videoconference (MS Teams)

For more information, please contact:

Associate Professor Auezhan Amanov, auezhan.amanov@tuni.fi

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences | Materials Science and Environmental Engineering | Engineering Materials Science (EMS)

https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/tribology-and-surface-modification?navref=curated--grid 

Application period starts: 2023-09-18 10:00 Application period ends: 2023-10-31 23:59