Post-doctoral researcher in Building Services

LUT University; Lahti; Hybrid; EUR 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Lahti campus

Job summary

LUT University seeks a post-doctoral researcher to advance research on high-performance, future-resilient, user-oriented, sustainable buildings in Lahti, Finland. Join the Building Services group within LUT Civil Engineering and contribute to publishing, proposals, international collaboration, and teaching.

Appointment is two years with potential extension; salary aligns with the Finnish system. The start date is negotiable, and the role offers hybrid work with on-campus presence at LUT's Lahti

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in building services engineering (HVAC and automation).
• Independent scientific work capability and teaching skills.
• Experience with or willingness to learn computational and experimental methods for building energy usage.

Responsibilities

• Publish research results and contribute to research funding proposals.
• Collaborate with national and international partners and participate in group meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses and contribute to teaching.

Skills

Academic writing

English proficiency

Analytical skills

Teaching ability

Education

Doctoral degree in building services engineering

Tools

Computational methods

Experimental methods

Job description

Do you want to explore how to combine sustainable building usage with occupant safety and well-being and efficiency of user activities? We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join us at LUT University and contribute to research on high-performance, future-resilient, user-oriented, sustainable buildings. LUT Civil Engineering is a new, growing part of the LUT School of Energy Systems, and now hiring a post-doctoral researcher with a strong interest in bridging the gap between reduced real-life building energy usage and improved user satisfaction. We are seeking a researcher who is curious and ambitious, strives for academic advancement and greater expertise, and aims to contribute to impactful scientific research that addresses relevant societal challenges. We are also currently seeking other civil engineering professionals with a range of specialties; see our other job openings here.

What Your Work Will Be Like

In this position, you will contribute to transdisciplinary research focusing on the sustainability and energy transformation of buildings. Potential research topics include demand-control, system energy efficiency and real-life energy saving potential related to building use, and user safety and well-being. The position is based in the Building Services research group within the newly established LUT Civil Engineering team. You will work closely with your research group. Your work includes publishing research results, contributing to research funding proposals, collaborating with national and international partners, and participating in research group meetings, conferences, and seminars, which will involve occasional travel. In addition, you will supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses and contribute to teaching.

What We Expect From You

You have a doctoral degree in building services engineering (HVAC and automation) or a related field, the ability for independent scientific work, and teaching skills. We welcome applications from both experienced post-doctoral and early-career researchers, including recent doctoral graduates. Experience with or ambition to learn computational and experimental methods to analyse and develop building energy usage – such as system performance, room airflow patterns, and thermal and indoor air quality conditions – is important in this role. Earlier professional experience in or collaboration with the building services industry is an advantage. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. Success in this role requires the ability to see the big picture behind the details. You should be able to work independently, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively in an international research environment. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Finnish language skills are considered an advantage. As the LUT Civil Engineering is just being established, you should be comfortable operating in an evolving environment where uncertainty and change are part of everyday work. The position is a part of LUT University's non-tenure track system. The appointment is initially for two years, including a six-month trial period, and may be extended by up to two years based on performance and progress.

What We Offer

We offer a collaborative research environment where you will contribute to societally relevant research, develop your research profile, and work with an interdisciplinary and international team. The work starts as soon as possible – preferably in November 2026. The start date is negotiable. The position is based at LUT’s Lahti campus in Finland. LUT offers a hybrid work model that combines flexibility with regular on-campus presence. The position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours under the collective agreement for Finnish universities. The hours are flexible and support work–life balance. The salary is set according to the Finnish university pay system’s scale for teaching and research staff (requirement levels 5–6). The starting salary is approximately EUR 4,300–5,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

For more information about position, please contact Industry Professor Kim Hagström, [e-mail].

Read more about the LUT Civil Engineering.

Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.

Read more about LUT as an employer and explore information for international staff.

LUT University

| LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global.

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