Project Researcher (PhD. Student) or Postdoctoral Researcher, engine emission aftertreatment modelling, simulation, experiments and control (Energy Technology)

University of Vaasa; Pohjanmaa; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Vaasa in Finland invites applications for a Project Researcher (PhD student) within the Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS) Research group, part of Energy Technology in the School of Technology and Innovations. The role focuses on catalytic aftertreatment modelling and engine emissions research with hydrogen and methane fuels.

The position offers access to EnergyLab facilities and collaboration with industry partners, with a 6-month probation and levels 2-4 pay scale for PhD

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in chemical/mechanical/process engineering with emissions or combustion focus.
• Experience with 1D aftertreatment/combustion model calibration and validation.
• Ability to plan and conduct engine laboratory experiments and post-process emissions data.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to catalytic methane removal and hydrogen/methane fuel research.
• Perform 1D modelling and simulations of catalytic aftertreatment systems.
• Lead experimental catalyst testing campaigns and data analysis.
• Integrate exhaust aftertreatment with thermal/energy management to meet targets.

Education

Master’s degree

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

The University of Vaasa is an inspiring and international community where we work together for a sustainable and responsible future. We combine expertise in business and technology in a unique way, tackling current challenges with determination and collaboration. As part of the Nordic region’s largest energy technology hub, we promote sustainable business, energy, and society. We educate future professionals who will create a fairer and more sustainable world.

The position is offered initially for two (2) years starting on January 2027 or at an earliest possible date mutually agreed between both parties. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovation and under energy technology discipline.

Your role

You will be part of the Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS) Research group working on several challenging projects, at the forefront of research and development of novel combustion engine technologies. With over 40 researchers and 3 MEUR 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 industry partners in conforming to tightening emissions and noise regulation in marine and off-road sectors.

Hydrogen represents a promising zero-carbon alternative fuel for large oceangoing vessels, where internal combustion engines are expected to remain a prime mover. Hydrogen-biogas combustion is a green solution in marine application, where the methane slip in exhaust gases is challenging to remove by catalytic and thermal management methods, which require further development. Methane is counted parallel to CO2 as a greenhouse gas, which emissions are regulated. In addition, significant challenges have restrained its large-scale onboard integration, catalyst durability, amid concerns related to safety, fuel availability, and cost. This research is related to green shift in off-road applications (marine, machinery), where conventional fossil fuels like diesel oil will be replaced with low-/zero-carbon fuels with flexible mixtures.

The new EU-funded H4PERION project directly addresses these barriers by developing a new ultra-efficient hydrogen-capable internal combustion engine (TRL 7, while meeting 55% thermal efficiency target), followed by concept integration at ship level through a pilot demonstration.

In this context as a part of the EPS team, you will contribute to:

• Developing novel catalytic methane removal solutions securing low pollutant emissions and flexible operation with hydrogen and other gaseous fuels.
• 1D modelling and simulations of catalytic aftertreatment systems based on engine-out emissions and experimental catalyst performance results.
• Experimental catalyst testing campaign in corresponding off-road application.
• Integrating the exhaust aftertreatment systems together with appropriate thermal and energy management strategies to ensure compliance with the project’s emission and efficiency targets.

Achieving the targeted efficiency within the project timeline requires deep integration of catalyst simulation and testing environments with autonomous calibration routines. To this end we are seeking talented and motivated researchers in simulation-driven catalytic aftertreatment development and optimization.

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 chemical/mechanical/process engineering, with a specialization in emission catalyst reaction reactions/modelling or combustion engines.
• You have documented experience in 1D aftertreatment/combustion model calibration and validation with experimental data. Experience in 3D simulation environments is a benefit.
• You are able to efficiently plan and conduct engine laboratory experiments and postprocess emission data. Laboratory experience such as test-rig development, instrumentation, and data-acquisition is considered a strong advantage.
• Engine emission aftertreatment involves chemical reactions, as a result good knowledge on catalysts as well as chemical reaction mechanisms and kinetics is a benefit.
• Excellent analytical skills in addition to good academic writing skills are highly advantageous for your candidature.
• Proven track record in 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.

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 in combustion modelling and control. For more information about the facilities see: EnergyLab.

Efficient Powertrain Solutions (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.

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 (€ 2331-2907) and Postdoctoral Researcher on level 5 (€ 3366). An additional personal salary component is included based on work performance.

The employment is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Inquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

--- --- ---

Further information about the position:

• Primary contact: Teuvo Maunula - Professor of practice; Catalytic Aftertreatment Systems, Energy Technology, School of Technology and Innovations Tel. [phone]

The University of Vaasa’s 7,000 students and 700 employees enjoy Finland’s most beautiful campus by the sea. Together, we form a thriving and diverse university community where everyone feels they belong. Working with us means meaningful tasks, flexible working arrangements, comprehensive occupational health services, and employee benefits that support well-being and recovery. Our campus offers modern workspaces and inspiring meeting areas for smooth collaboration. The international HR Excellence in Research award reflects our commitment to high-quality HR practices. Learn more about us: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions