Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Inorganic Material Chemistry, Faculty of Technology

Login and apply

Faculty of Technology, Sustainable Chemistry

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. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Inorganic Material Chemistry

to join us in Sustainable Chemistry Research Unit (SusChem) at the Faculty of Technology.

The SusChem unit has approximately 80 employees across two campuses — in Oulu (Linnanmaa) and in Kokkola (Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius). Research associated with this position is conducted at both locations. The SusChem unit specializes in advanced chemistry research, with a particular focus on inorganic (material) chemistry and related circular economy. High-quality research is related to the chemistry of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching and precipitation, contributing to the synthesis of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery chemicals. Key areas include cathode active materials, sustainable anode development, recovery and reuse of valuable metals, and the industrially relevant recycling of inorganic material flows. The unit maintains strong, ongoing collaborations with industry partners.

About The Job

As a successful candidate for the Assistant Professor position,

• You are expected to carry out research in the field of inorganic material chemistry, with specialization in recovery and reuse of valuable metals, and recycling of inorganic material flows.
• It is important that you master how these inorganic material flows influence the target applications: hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching and precipitation, contributing to the synthesis of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery chemicals. Knowledge of relevant industrial processes is important, and research must consider goals of circular economy and sustainability.
• You are expected to establish research collaboration across disciplinary boundaries in Finland and internationally, especially with companies in the field.
• You are expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students and participate in teaching in the degree programs of chemistry.
  
  

The position offers a unique opportunity to establish your own research group, lead and participate in timely research and collaboration within chemistry and chemical engineering fields, interdisciplinary and international research environments, and global partnership networks.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team of 80 experts, where 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu or Kokkola.
• If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to Oulu or Kokkola.
• 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?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect that

• You have a strong background in applied inorganic material chemistry and applicable doctoral degree in chemistry or (chemical) engineering. In order to be eligible for a position as Assistant Professor, you must have received your doctoral degree by the end of the application period and not more than ten years ago (at or later than 2016), excluding family leaves and military service.
• You have demonstrated experience in national and international industry collaboration, as well as a track record of coordinating academic research and development projects conducted in collaboration with industry. A strong advantage will be given to scientific publications, patents and invention disclosures generated through industrial collaboration.
• You have a broad and versatile research profile, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications across diverse research topics.
• You must have ability to acquire external research funding, and you must be familiar with key Finnish national and EU level funding instruments.
• You must have the ability and experience to conduct research (e.g., coordination of research) and to supervise doctoral and master's students.
• You must have the teaching competence required for the position.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
  
  

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills or participation in courses to master basic skills in the Finnish language.
  
  

Research achievements will be evaluated in relation to academic age.

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position of Assistant Professor, 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.

You should have excellent potential for a successful scientific career. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach a rating of “excellent” or “outstanding”, both in the overall grade and in the category of “scientific excellence”. In addition, top candidates are asked to give a teaching demonstration as part of the assessment of teaching skills. In the evaluation of teaching skills, the person selected for the tenure track position must achieve at least the grade “good” (3/5). Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure, and advancement on our careers website.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 5 years as of 1.3.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the level 6 (Assistant Professor) 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 (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 5000−5400 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.11.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

• A letter of motivation with contact information,
• CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (with the ten most important ones marked)
• Brief account of research merits (max 2 pages)
• Teaching portfolio following the guidelines of the University of Oulu
• Details regarding acquisition of research funds
• A brief research and action plan (max 5 pages)
• Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation.
  
  

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation. Top candidates will also be invited to an on-site or remote interview and asked to give a teaching demonstration as part of the assessment of teaching skills. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the SusChem Unit leader, Prof. Ulla Lassi, ulla.lassi@oulu.fi, +358 40 0294 090. In practical issues, you can contact the secretary of the recruitment committee, Docent Satu Pitkäaho, satu.pitkaaho@oulu.fi.

Type of employment Temporary position over 6 months Contract type Full time Number of positions 1 Full-time equivalent 100% City Oulu County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Country Finland Reference number 2026/613 Published 16.Oct.2026 Last application date 30.Nov.2026

Login and apply

Share links

Return to job vacancies