Postdoctoral Researcher, fracture mechanical properties of welded structures for hydrogen applications

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering (MME) research unit at the Faculty of Technology. MME is a world-leading research unit in the field of physical metallurgy of high-strength steels, with a focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of modern machines, vehicles, and structures. We strive to provide innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges and to contribute to the development of modern structures and mobile machinery that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

About the job

One highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a thorough understanding of materials science and fracture mechanics is hired to join the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit within the given collaborative industry–academia project or projects, depending on the capabilities of the chosen applicant. The MatH2 project aims to create a new portfolio of materials, components, and technologies capable of withstanding hydrogen and other chemical compounds essential for a hydrogen economy, facilitating Finland’s transition to a hydrogen society and supporting the development of a hydrogen backbone pipeline network. The project encompasses ten companies and two research partners, collectively covering the full value chain from materials to components and processes.

The given position will primarily focus on the pipeline steels for Nordic conditions, addressing specifically the structural integrity of welded steel pipelines intended for hydrogen transport. The work centres on the fracture mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement resistance of weld joints, with particular emphasis on the toughness properties of the critical microstructural zones in weldments.

The position offers an opportunity to conduct impactful experimental research within a broad, industry-engaged consortium. Research activities will include mechanical testing of materials, advanced microstructural characterization, and analysis of structure–property relationships in welded pipeline steels under hydrogen-relevant conditions. The outcomes will directly contribute to materials performance data, integrity assessment methodologies, and design guidelines essential for the safety and reliability of future hydrogen infrastructure.

Key Research Areas & Responsibilities

• Conducting original high-quality research with experimental focus to characterize the fracture mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of, e.g., welded pipeline steels, with attention to the microstructural origins of fracture behavior in weldments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers to design and execute experimental studies to assess the structural integrity and fracture resistance of weld joints under hydrogen-relevant loading and environmental conditions.
• Work closely with the industry partners to ensure the relevance and applicability of research outcomes to real-world engineering challenges, and timely execution of the deliveries of the projects participated in.
• Engage actively with the industry partners and consortium members within the projects to ensure research activities are aligned with application-driven requirements and contribute to reporting and dissemination obligations, including technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
• Present research findings at conferences, publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the scientific community.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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.

Who are you?

Requirements for the position:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field, e.g., Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering, or similar, that was awarded not more than ten (10) years ago
• Motivated and self-driven with a passion for scientific research and innovation
• Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English
• Flair for writing high-quality scientific papers for publication in premier scientific journals
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.

The following merits are seen as strong advantages:

• Strong background in mechanical properties of steels (or other metallic materials), welds, and fracture mechanics
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with mechanical testing of materials, e.g. fracture toughness and/or fatigue
• Publishing high-quality research articles on topics relevant to this position
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds
• Experience with modelling of phenomena relevant to this position.

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community. 

Salary

The position is for a fixed term of 2.5 years as of 01.10.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3800-4400 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 23.08.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarising the applicant’s professional experience and expertise, and describing research interests and motivation related to the research project
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or online interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas and Master's thesis. The references may be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process. 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

Please contact us for any further questions:

Failure Mechanisms research group lead, Sakari Pallaspuro ([email protected]), tel. +358 50 432 2275

Head of the unit, Jukka Kömi ([email protected]), tel. +358 40 549 0311

1. Sakari Pallaspuro, [email protected]
2. Jukka Ilmari Kömi, [email protected]