Postdoctoral Researcher (18 months) for Computational Predictions and Investigations of Heterojunctional Photocatalysts supported by the ERC-Consolidator Grant CATCH

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

Dimensionality defines the spatial extensions of matters, and photocatalysis accelerates photochemical processes in the presence of catalytic media. What will happen if photocatalysis meets the dimensional confinements that may reorganize whole photochemical process? In the ERC-Consolidator project “Cross-dimensional Activation of Two-Dimensional Semiconductors for Photocatalytic Heterojunctions” (CATCH), we are going to activate dimensionally unique 2D semiconductors as high-performance photocatalysts and break the deadlock of practical photocatalysis for sustainability of mankind.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (18 months) in computational predictions and investigations of cross-dimensionally activated photocatalytic heterojunctions

to join us in Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit (NANOMO) at the Faculty of Science.

The NANOMO research unit (NANOMO, http://www.nanomo.fi) focuses on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The research topics include electronic structure research in nanomaterials, functional materials (e.g. steel, carbon negative materials, and nanocatalysts), biomedical research, mesoscopic quantum structures in materials, and physics didactics. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon Europe programs, ERDF funds, Research Council of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron radiation facility, participates in the operation of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.

The work is carried out in the Functional Materials Group (FunMaters, https://www.oulu.fi/en/research-groups/functional-materials) of the NANOMO Unit at University of Oulu. The research of the group covers a wide domain in materials physics, with special emphasis on photocatalysis, bio-inspired surface treatment, and advanced metals.

About the job

The candidate will be focusing on computational predictions and studies of heterojunctional photocatalysts compositing of 2D semiconductors. Computations target and justify materials suitable for visible light water purification or hydrogen evolution. Fast screening of hetero partners for 2D peers is expected to rely on machine learning algorithms with the final justifications on density functional theory. The computational prediction is expected to act as a directional guidance to experimental realizations of these photocatalysts performed by colleagues in the team. Close interactions with the experimental side of the team are essential in materials realizations and tuning synthetic routes. Tasks of the candidate also include publishing results in leading international scientific journals, involving in educations directly related to the research, and funding applications.

What we offer?

• You will be a part of a highly talented research group supported by the European Research Council Consolidator grant.
• You will receive support from your team and group leader, so that you can excel in your research. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Doctoral degree in chemical physics, physical chemistry, computational materials sciences or relevant domains. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Demonstrated experience and results in first-principles calculations, surface chemistry and computational materials science.
• Experiences in optical and catalytic properties of low-dimensional materials.
• Very good proficiency in the English language (both written and spoken).
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team and independently.
• Strong adaptability to integrate an ongoing project and build on already made work to gradually build a new direction.

We also appreciate

• Experience and interests in machine-learning assisted studies of materials engineering or synthesis.
• Knowledge in photocatalytic mechanisms.
• Familiarity with or experienced on electronic structures and catalytic properties of low-dimensional materials.
• Potentials of getting competitive funding.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 18 months as of 01.12.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 4.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas. Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English. In case the degree is still in process, please give an official notification from the supervisor or faculty to address the estimated date of finishing.
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Professor Wei Cao, the PI of the project CATCH

NANOMO Unit

wei.cao@oulu.fi

Doc. Samuli Urpelainen, Senior Research Fellow

NANOMO Unit

samuli.urpelainen@oulu.fi

Dr. Romain Botella, Postdoctoral Researcher, École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Caen, France

romain.botella@ensicaen.fr