Professor in Mechanical Engineering, especially Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing

Academic Positions; Finland; On-site; EUR 51,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday bonus

Generous holiday entitlement

Research incentive scheme

Flexible working hours

Occupational health care

Collegial work environment

Career development support

Job summary

LUT University in Lappeenranta, Finland, invites applications for an Assistant / Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in laser processing and additive manufacturing. The role focuses on advancing laser-based production engineering, educating students, and strengthening collaboration with industry in a multidisciplinary setting.

The tenure-track position is four years, with a path to full professorship.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in more than one listed area.
• Experience in leading research groups or teams.
• Strong publication and collaboration record.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on laser-based manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing.
• Educate and supervise students within mechanical engineering.
• Collaborate with industry and other research partners.
• Lead a research group, secure funding, and manage projects.
• Develop courses and contribute to curriculum in laser processing.

Skills

Laser processing

Laser-based manufacturing

Digital product development

Project leadership

English fluency

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company LUT University Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Systems engineering Engineering » Other Physics » Optics Physics » Other Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 10:00 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Assistant / associate professor in Mechanical Engineering, especially Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing

Are you interested in advancing laser-based production engineering and manufacturing technology through research and education? This position offers the opportunity to conduct research on laser-based manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing, digital product and process development chains, and industrial applications while contributing to the development of manufacturing technologies and materials engineering. You will be part of an international academic community working in close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.

The professorship in mechanical engineering, especially laser processing and additive manufacturing, is located at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the LUT School of Energy Systems. The position is based in Lappeenranta, Finland. The professorship contributes especially to research and education in laser-based production engineering and manufacturing technology. It is highly relevant for advancing manufacturing technologies and materials engineering and for strengthening industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Through innovations in laser-based processes, it contributes to the development of next-generation production systems, resource-efficient manufacturing, and high-value engineering solutions. The position is connected to the Laboratory of Welded Metal Structures (WMS), where welding technology, laser processing, and steel structures form a research environment focused on the design, simulation, testing, and production of welded and 3D-printed metal structures in modern digital development and production environments.

What we expect from you

The professorship will strengthen research and education in laser processing and additive manufacturing. Applicants must have proven expertise in more than one of the following fields:

• management and implementation of a digital, comprehensive design, simulation, testing, manufacturability, and production chain for laser-based processes
• laser-based metal additive manufacturing
• laser systems and optical arrangements
• digital product and process development chains
• design aspects for laser manufacturing
• simulation-driven manufacturing
• process monitoring and digital twins
• manufacturability analysis
• production system integration
• techno-economic assessment and profitability of laser solutions
• industrial implementation of laser technologies.

The person appointed to the professorship should present proof of successful project work, funding acquisition, and research collaboration with research institutions and relevant industries. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in leading a research group or organisation. Spoken and written fluency in English is required.

Practical experience in the field is not a requirement in this position. However, strong evidence of industrial research and development projects is considered an advantage.

We are looking for a candidate motivated to advance research and education in laser processing and additive manufacturing. You will join the Department of Mechanical Engineering and work in a multidisciplinary research environment with extensive collaboration opportunities across mechanical engineering and other disciplines.

The position is situated at the assistant or associate professor level of the tenure track system and will be filled through an open application process for a fixed term of four years. The tenure track offers researchers a possibility to advance to a full professorship. A six-month trial period applies.

The salary is determined according to the salary system for university teaching and research personnel. The pay will include an individual pay component based on performance and competence. The gross annual salary for an associate professor is approximately 68,000 euros, and that of an assistant professor, ranges from 50,500 to 59,000 euros, depending on qualifications and experience.

In addition to a competitive salary, the job comes with a wide range of benefits, including a holiday bonus, a generous holiday entitlement, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial work environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

For further information about the position, please contact Timo Kärki, professor, either by phone [phone]) or email ( [e-mail] ).

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. Lut.fi/en

Location: Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta