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A Postdoctoral Researcher in code development of AI web tools for materials informatics

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/finland.png Finland
  • University/Institute Name University of Turku
  • Position Funding Type
  • Unspecified Unspecified
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Position Details

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. At the Faculty of Technology, the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering brings together experts in physics, chemistry and engineering in a drive towards innovative materials engineering for future technologies and key societal challenges.

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Materials Informatics Laboratory group of Prof. Milica Todorović. You will be working in a national consortium alongside colleagues from academia and industry. You will have a chance to make an impact by developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools for AI-guided experimentation to process wood-derived lignin into new products.

In this project, you will be developing probabilistic Bayesian tools to accelerate AI-guided optimisation of experimental outcomes. You will develop an AI web interface and apply it to refine the experimental conditions for lignin extraction and processing. Together with industry partners, you will help accelerate product development to bring new sustainable materials closer to the market.

Who we are looking for

Your experience and ambitions  

We welcome candidates with a degree in physics, materials science, chemistry or chemical and process engineering, who are passionate about data science and applied AI in natural sciences. Prior experience with materials informatics, web app development, coding and AI is a bonus. We seek colleagues who enjoy coding, scripting and analytics, and are keen to push the boundaries of materials design. This project requires creative thinking and programming as well as a broad understanding of physics, chemistry and engineering of materials. We further appreciate willingness to travel, teach and mentor, collaborate and communicate science. 

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

Benefits

In the Materials Informatics Laboratory group, we combine electronic structure simulations and machine learning to pursue innovative applications for future technologies, health and climate. We are a multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary team. You will train in AI applications with experienced developers, meet our global network of collaborators, join us at scientific meetings, help us organize research workshops and get involved in academic and diversity outreach. In combination with the academic development courses at the University of Turku, we will help you grow a competitive career profile.

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

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Practical details

The starting time for the position would be 01.11.2025, or upon mutual agreement. The tasks of the postdoctoral researcher last for 24 months.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. A person selected for the post of Postdoctoral Researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work. Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Candidates who will graduate soon (doctoral students) are also encouraged to apply. In these cases, the title is Project Researcher, and the duration of the contract will be agreed separately (e.g., 6 months). Once the relevant degree is obtained, the contract will be upgraded to the correct title with the appropriate change in salary. 

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will be about 3600 €/month for a postdoctoral researcher at the beginning of the employment. If a project researcher is hired for the position, the salary will be approximately 3000 €/month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for the postdoctoral researcher.

 

Ready to apply?

Applications must be submitted by 22nd of September 2025 (16:00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). Applications should be submitted in English and they should include:

(1)   Letter of motivation
(2)   CV
(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts
(4)   Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 
 
The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

Further information

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Milica Todorović milica.todorovic(at)utu.fi. For questions related to the application process, contact HR specialist Janna Salminen (jansaly(at)utu.fi).

University of Turku reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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