Doctoral researcher for assessing carbon flows in the built environment

Aalto University; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Espoo, Finland is seeking a Doctoral researcher to analyze carbon flows in the built environment. The role involves independent research, collaboration with faculty, and publishing papers. Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree in architecture or engineering and experience in life cycle assessments. The position offers a fully funded, full-time or part-time opportunity with a salary of 3,075 € per month.

Benefits

Fully funded doctoral position

Professional development opportunities

Support and coaching

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Experience with life cycle assessment and energy simulation is a plus.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; Finnish or Swedish is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Independently pursue goals of the research project.
• Publish academic research papers according to PhD plan.
• Collaborate with professors and other relevant professionals.

Skills

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

Energy simulation

Building design knowledge

Capability for working with Building Information Models

Fluent English

Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish

Education

Master degree in architecture, engineering, or relevant field

Tools

One Click LCA

IDA-ICE tools

Job description

Overview

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher for assessing carbon flows in the built environment

Are you interested in circular economy and life cycle assessment in architecture and construction? Do you want to work for turning down the emissions and overuse of materials in the built environment?

We are now looking for a doctoral candidate for a PhD position at Aalto University’s Department of Architecture. In this position you will have a chance to make an impact by analysing and developing solutions for effectively capturing carbon into the built environment. Join us in shaping the future!

The position is part of Profi 8 research “Transformation of urban systems” funded by the Research Council of Finland. The work aims at modeling carbon flows, developing solutions for removing and storing greenhouse gases into the built environment, and developing the life cycle assessment method for quantifying multiple cycles of using building products.

Your role and goals

• Work independently for the goals of the research project (https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/aalto-university-secures-funding-for-critical-green-transition-research)
• Write and publish academic research papers according to your PhD plan
• Participate in design and research activities of the research group of sustainable construction and Aalto University’s other relevant departments

Your network and team

• The project will be led and PhD position supervised by Associate Professor, D.Sc., architect Matti Kuittinen, but you will also collaborate with other professors of the faculty.
• You are expected to collaborate with relevant other scientists as well as representatives of cities, municipalities, associations, and industry to the extent that is necessary for the position.

Your experience and ambitions

• Master degree in architecture, engineering, or other relevant field
• Experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) and energy simulation, knowledge of One Click LCA and IDA-ICE tools is considered as an advantage
• Understanding of building design, structures, and material in the Finnish context
• Capability for working with Building Information Models
• Fluent English is a must, knowledge of official languages of Finland (Finnish or Swedish) are considered as an advantage

What we offer

A fully funded doctoral position, full-time or part-time (50% depending on the candidate's preference). The total duration of the employment is estimated to be approximately four years. Initially, a two-year contract will be made (mid-term evaluation for continuation).

• Meaningful and inspiring environment. We are proud of our purpose to shape a sustainable future. We spark the game changers of tomorrow, and renew society with research-based knowledge, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Culture that inspires and includes everyone. All our work is guided by the values of the university: responsibility, courage, and collaboration. It’s the people that create Aalto, now and in the future. We want to be an open community where equality and inclusion enable curiosity, innovation, collaboration and wellbeing.
• Responsible and meaningful role with true impact in our University’s success, and in the end, in the wellbeing of our planet.
• Support, coaching and sparring when you feel you need it.

• Great possibilities for competence development and learning. We constantly keep learning to find the most impactful ways to empower – and invest in – our people.

Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. The salary for this position is 3 075 €/month.

We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. We work in a hybrid model, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

Join us!

To apply, please share your CV, Master’s Degree certificate with a transcript of records, motivation letter, and expression of your research interests through our recruitment site. The latest deadline is 23:59 (EET) 20 October 2025.

In the motivation letter – not to exceed 1 page – please answer: What is your background and experience in building design, life cycle assessment and energy simulation, including the use of relevant tools? What was the topic of your Master’s thesis and its grade? Include a link to the work if possible. Are you planning to apply for full time (100%) or part time (50%) position?

In the expression of your research interests – not to exceed 2 pages – please answer: How would you approach the research question of generating and maintaining long-lasting carbon storages in the built environment? Include citations to relevant peer-reviewed literature. The expression of research interest will be used as background for developing your PhD project plan with your supervising professor.

The selected applicant will have to apply to the ARTS Doctoral programme during the six-month probation period. The target graduation time in doctoral studies is four years at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. For more information about the ARTS Doctoral Programme and how to apply, see the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply via the internal HR system Workday. Students or visitors may apply with a personal email address via the Aalto University open positions page.

For more information about the role, please contact Professor Matti Kuittinen ([e-mail]). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Enni Ailoranta ([e-mail]).

We will go through applications and may invite suitable candidates to interviews during the application period. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process; feel free to ask for feedback.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: This is Aalto University; Aalto University – Towards a better world; Shaping a Sustainable Future.

Read more about working at Aalto: www.aalto.fi/careers-at-aalto. Check out our new virtual campus experience: virtualtour.aalto.fi.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family. It is safe, politically stable and well-organized. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life. For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff.

More about Aalto University: aalto.fi, youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity, linkedin.com/school/aalto-university, facebook.com/aaltouniversity, instagram.com/aaltouniversity.

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here. Please see more of our Open Positions here.