The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business sciences, technology and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

The position is offered initially for two (2) years starting on February 2025 or at earliest possible date as agreed. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovation and under energy technology discipline and Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS) research team.

https://www.univaasa.fi/en/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/

Your role

You will be part of an international Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS(https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Efficient-Powertrain-Solutions-EPS-Maciej-Mikulski)) research team working in multiple challenging projects, at the forefront of research and development of novel combustion engine technologies. With over 35 researchers and 3MEu of annual Research turnover, we are the biggest focused powertrain-oriented research group in Finland. Our focus is on model-based development of advanced engine solutions supporting our industrial partners in conforming to straightening emissions and noise regulation in marine and off-road sectors.

Our goal in this project is to develop the energy sector by showcasing sustainable hydrogen-argon power cycle (H-APC) at pilot scale. The concept is targeting unprecedented power generation efficiency with net-zero emissions. We realize this goal by heavily relying on model-based hardware and control development verified on the state of the art experimental facilities. To this end, we are seeking for motivated researchers in combustion modeling and simulations (quasi-dimensional model development).

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours.

Requirements

- You have a master's degree or a PhD in a relevant field. For example mechanical engineering, with a specialization in combustion engines.
- You can utilize, develop and integrate different modelling and simulation tools. Therefore, extensive familiarity with environments such as GT-Suite, Converge is needed. Open-Foam preferable.
- Programming skills in C++ and Python I highly desired.
- In addition to the toolchain experience, you should have basic knowledge of control or practical experience with combustion engine tests.
- Very good analytical skills in addition to good academic writing skills are highly advantageous for your candidature. Proven track record in relevant projects and high-quality journals/conferences/projects, on the topics related to the position, is an additional advantage.
- You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and practical pragmatism.
- You have good communication and language (English is required) skills, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are open to sharing your knowledge with colleagues and ambitious to develop yourself as a researcher.

To be eligible for a full PhD student position, the candidate is required to participate in a separate application process which is arranged at least twice a year in order to be admitted and enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa. For more information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Graduate School's website: Doctoral education University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/education/doctoral-education)

Inspirational work environment

In the University of Vaasa, we conduct combustion engine research focused on advanced energy concepts and alternative fuels. We have a special focus on large bore-marine and stationary engines, for which we have a unique, state of the art, research facilities at EnergyLab. With close collaboration with industry, we are transforming the energy sector by bringing the cutting-edge technology to real-world application. We welcome you to join one of the most fascinating energy innovation centers in the Nordic region as a Project researcher in combustion modelling and control. For more information about the facilities see: EnergyLab(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/research-platforms/vebic/laboratories) and JointLab(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/newshub/news/university-vaasa-university-oulu-vtt-and-wartsila-are-building-energy-laboratory) for iHAPC(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/newshub/news/new-consortium-led-university-vaasa-research-hydrogen-argon-power-cycle-net-zero-power) project.

Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS) research group is part of Energy Technology track in the School of Technology and Innovations. We need open-minded, creative and skilled individuals to explore and develop the future energy solutions. We continuously develop all of our operations in cooperation with companies and other partners. We are strongly networked and responsible actors in research, education and public relations. As a work community, our team is diverse, international and encouraging. The cooperation and support of colleagues promotes well-being and inspires working. More information about the School and the team(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/university/organisation-and-management/school-technology-and-innovations).

We offer

We have a great value to both your personal and your professional development. Many opportunities exist for you to develop: conferences, courses, workshops, coaching, mentoring and international internships.

The salary will be based on both the job requirement and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The monthly salary of a Project Researcher (PhD Student) is based on job demand levels 2-4 (€ 2225-3300) and Postdoctoral Researcher on level 5 (€ 3213-3825). An additional personal salary component is included based on work performance.

https://www.univaasa.fi/fi/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/electrical_engineering_and_energy_techno