Professor (Tenure Track/Full) in Automated Experimentation in Materials Research

Karlstad University; Turku; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Finland is seeking a Professor in Materials Engineering specializing in automated experimentation. The ideal candidate has a strong research background and is committed to teaching. Responsibilities include conducting innovative research, developing educational materials, and engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations. This position offers a competitive starting package and opportunities for career development within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive starting package

Equipment and travel budget

Relocation and integration budget

Qualifications

• Experience in building or using automated experimentation platforms.
• Hands-on operation knowledge preferred.
• Strong emphasis on research and teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in automated experimentation for materials.
• Teach and develop educational materials.
• Collaborate with national initiatives.

Skills

Automated experimentation

Software development

Machine learning

Robotics

Hands-on operation

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Automated experimentation platforms

Data analysis software

Job description

Who we are looking for

Materials Engineering unit is expanding by opening a Professor (Assistant/Associate/Full) position in the research area of automated experimentation for materials research. Automated experimentation refers to the use of software, robotics, machine learning and other automated systems to design and conduct experiments with minimal human intervention. Research developments in this area would reduce times and resources associated with development of novel materials solutions and improve accuracy and reliability of experimentation.

In the open position, we invite candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: building or using automated experimentation platforms in physics, chemistry, materials science, with a focus on experimental materials synthesis, characterisation or both, and optionally, with experience developing algorithms for accelerated discovery based on data collection from automated instruments. Practical knowledge with hands-on operation, instrument building and low-cost automation will be considered a bonus.

In addition to the research merits, we consider applicants’ merits broadly and value, for example, broad academic, professional, and societal networks; societal impact and outreach activities; experience in technology transfer; industrial and entrepreneurial experience; and multidisciplinary collaboration. For all positions, we value an active approach and enthusiasm for teaching, educational development, teaching experience and pedagogical studies.

The applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term associate or assistant professorship (tenure track) or to a permanent professor position (Full Professor) depending on their previous academic merits.

• For the position of Assistant Professor, we seek proactive researchers and teachers beyond their post doc phase yet still at their early academic career, and who already have a proven track record of scientific research.
• For the position of Associate Professor, we emphasize an international track record of scientific research, teaching experience and societal influence. In addition to these, we value a track record of acquiring external research funding and business collaboration.
• For the position of Full Professor we are looking for experienced and internationally distinguished experts who already have excellent publication production and success in obtaining external funding.

Who can apply

This position is funded by the Research Council of Finland’s grant for recruiting international, high-level researchers from outside Finland. Therefore, only applicants who are currently or have been recently residing and working outside of Finland can apply. For applicants established in Finland, short-term research visits abroad are not considered as working outside Finland. The recruited person needs to start in the position during 2026.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

• Competitive starting package, e.g post doc(s) and/or doctoral researcher(s)
• Equipment and travel budget
• Relocation and integration budget

The start-up package will be negotiated during the recruitment process.

The Materials Engineering Unit currently has research programs in solar energy materials and systems, light-emitting materials and devices, materials in health technology, materials for electronics, computational soft matter and materials science and materials informatics. The unit has close ties with national initiatives such as Sustainable Material and Manufacturing (SUSMAT) and the Finnish Centre for AI (FCAI), as well as multiple national infrastructures such as Sustainable Fabrication (SusFab) and Materials Research (MARI) infrastructures.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University\'s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The salary for the post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel when negotiating the employment contract.

The position has a trial period of six months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 27.10.2025 at 23:59 (time in UTC +03:00 Helsinki/EEST).

Please, attach all the documents listed in the guideline (see page 2) to your application. The application form also asks for "Development plans for the area concerning research, teaching and societal interaction", please note that this annex is not required in this call at this point.

With questions about the application process, please contact: Head of Faculty Administration Sanna Hirvola, [e-mail].

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland.

The Materials Engineering Unit has research programs in solar energy materials and systems, light-emitting materials and devices, materials in health technology, materials for electronics, computational soft matter and materials science and materials informatics. The unit has close ties with national initiatives and infrastructures.

The University of Turku has a unique, creative and inspirational work environment. Here you will work with top experts, pedagogues and researchers.