Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering(https://www.abo.fi/en/about-abo-akademi-university/faculties/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/) offers 3 funded positions for doctoral researchers (3 years/position) within the doctoral pilot Circular Materials Bioeconomy Network (CIMANET(https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/doctoral-education-pilots-at-abo-akademi-university/#cinemat-finnceres)).

CIMANET is an interdisciplinary doctoral education network to support the renewal of the bio-based industry through new sustainable materials and processes. CIMANET is part of the doctoral education pilot program established by Finland's Ministry of Education and Culture, providing scientific and technological competences to promote sustainable growth. It strengthens the knowledge base required to enhance the Finnish forest and bio-based industry with novel solutions unveiling the full potential of biomass. CIMANET consists of nine universities: Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, LUT University, Tampere University, University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä, University of Oulu, University of Turku, and Åbo Akademi University.

CIMANET operates in close collaboration with the industry, research organizations, as well as other stakeholders to create economic and societal impact by addressing the major challenges of our century: resource sufficiency, access to clean water, and climate change. CIMANET starts in 2024 and provides altogether 67 doctoral researchers funding for three years. Check out all the open positions at the CIMANET pilot website(https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education-pilot/cimanet-doctoral-education-pilot).

The positions are available within the following doctoral programmes at ÅAU:

- Chemical and Process Engineering(https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/doctoral-programmes-at-abo-akademi-university/doctoral-programme-in-chemical-and-process-engineering/) Main subject: Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geology(https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/doctoral-programmes-at-abo-akademi-university/doctoral-programme-in-mathematics-physics-chemistry-and-geology/) Main subjects: Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy

The three positions start in January 2025. The topics of the positions are:

1. Novel technologies for chemical modification of biomass derived molecules and materials. For more information regarding the topic, please contact Prof. Patrik Eklund (patrik.c.eklund@abo.fi).

2. Tailoring biopolymers for photo/thermal curable coating applications. For more information regarding the topic, please contact Prof. Chunlin Xu (chunlin.xu@abo.fi).

3. Bio-based materials for sustainable electronics. For more information regarding the topic, please contact Prof. Martti Toivakka (martti.toivakka@abo.fi).

The doctoral degree promotes the appointees' future career orientation and prepares for work as an independent researcher or in demanding expert work in the academic and other work life-sectors.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION

This announcement is open for those who have a master's degree AND a supervisor or a potential supervisor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at ÅAU. Applicants must have accomplished their Master's studies (or equivalent) on Dec 1 2024, at the latest (a copy of degree certificate or a certificate of completed degree can be sent later to graduateschool@abo.fi).

Please note that there is a separate application process for the admission to a doctoral programme at ÅAU(https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/apply-for-doctoral-studies/). Applicants can apply for admission to a doctoral programme after receiving the decision on employment. An applicant, who is not yet accepted as a doctoral student at the Faculty, needs to fulfil the requirements for doctoral studies according to the principles for admission to the doctoral programmes within the faculty. When the employment commences, the doctoral researcher needs to have a study right for a doctoral degree awarded no earlier than 1.11.2023 or be at a stage that allows the candidate to be awarded a right to study for a doctoral degree during the probationary period (i.e. within six months of the start of employment).

In the recruitment, the applicants are assessed on the basis of their study achievements, research plan and its feasibility, and possible results of previous research in the relevant field or related subjects. The evaluation also takes into account how the planned research project promotes the applicant's capability for different career opportunities after completing the dissertation.

Applicants should have excellent communication skills in English.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Doctoral researchers employed by Åbo Akademi University should actively take part in the research and education within the faculty, in Turku or in Vaasa.

Åbo Akademi University applies the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary for a doctoral position will be based on levels 2-4 of the job demand level for teaching and researching staff in the salary system. Currently, the starting salary for doctoral researchers is approximately 2,580 € per month. The salary increases as the candidate makes progress towards a doctoral degree and the finalization of the studies.

Doctoral researchers will have total working time, which means 1,612 hours per academic year. The employment is full-time. The individual study plan for doctoral researchers will be evaluated annually. A trial period applies to new employees.

APPLICATION

Submit an electronic application below (Leave an application). For guidelines on the electronic application, please see https://www.abo.fi/en/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/. The application should include the following enclosures:

- A free-form motivation letter (1-3 pages) where