Three postdoctoral researchers in computational hydrology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit

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.  

We are now looking for 

Three Postdoctoral researchers in computational hydrology and water resources digitalization

to join us at Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit at the Faculty of Technology.

The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, at the Faculty of Technology, carries out research on land, water and energy systems and their interaction. Climate change, environmental degradation and energy transition are societal challenges motivating research to find sustainable solutions. Our water research team has 110 researchers in 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, groundwater research, water quality, water management, water supply, treatment, and protection. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and supersites in Finland with a unique and developing infrastructure.

We are active in interdisciplinary studies in Finland and different regions abroad, with studies on climate, land, energy and water analysis, modelling and management.

The postdoctoral positions are linked to large scale and long-term research in the water sector at Flagship on DIWA - Digital Waters (digitalwaters.fi), led by our unit. All post-doctoral positions are linked to DIWA Flagship that consists of 3 leading universities and 3 research institutes in their respective field of research in water resources. In the Flagship, we also include diverse expert teams in hydrology, water and climate research, ICT technologies and teams working on water, land and environmental digital research and applications. Linked to the Flagship, we have a large and growing project portfolio including a doctoral education pilot with more than 60 doctoral researchers that start 1.1.2025, which will also be linked with postdoctoral positions.

Job description

You will work in the Digital Waters Flagship research area, developing its research and innovation actions, in collaboration with different international and national research projects and partners. The work involves development of digital solutions including monitoring, data management and modelling in the process of development of digital twins. You will also collaborate and assist in doctoral education and research in collaboration with other senior staff and professors. Some  teaching and supervision of graduate students can also be considered. 

We are looking for several talented researchers with a strong background in modeling, data or programming in one of the following or related fields:

1) Groundwater hydrology with a focus on numerical modelling,

2) Catchment hydrology and water quality assessment,

3) River flow and ice processes,   

You will work in a strong team with a focus on digitalization in hydrology, water research and management using and developing different types of solutions for monitoring, data handling, data fusion and modelling approaches to develop digital twins. We encourage visionary researchers with different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Who are you?

To succeed in the position, you are required to have:

• A recent and relevant doctoral degree in hydrology or related fields
• Strong experience in scientific writing and communication
• Fluent in English, both in oral and written communication

We also appreciate the following know-how and experience in:

• Experience in computational hydrology (or hydrogeology)
• Programming skills such as R, Matlab and/or Python
• Experience in handling of large observational and/or modelling datasets
• Interest in the use of information technology such as development of digital tools and twins
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate with various stakeholders
• Experience in supervision of students and/or teaching
• International experience and networking skills

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position being part of a large and growing digital water research cluster  (digitalwaters.fi) in Finland in different disciplines such as water and hydrological and climatological research and information technology. You will have the opportunity to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. You will also have access to our unique global infrastructure where new studies can be initiated in collaboration with our team members.

University of Oulu offers

• Possibilities for flexible work via well-established practices and agreements for flexible working hours, part-time working and teleworking.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The duration of the fixed-term position is 3 years, beginning on 1st of March 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

The salary will be based on the level 5-6 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities depending on your qualifications. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical monthly salary for a post-doctoral researcher is 3600 - 4200 € (before taxes).

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on December 31^st 2024 (23:59 Finnish time). The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A letter of motivation stating your area of expertise and interest in the topics i-iv as outlined above (max 2 pages),
2. Curriculum vitae (max 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. List of publications following the guidelines of guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Research statement or draft research plan (about 4 pages)
5. Teaching and supervision experience (up to 2 pages)
6. A copy of the applicant’s Doctoral and Master of Science degree diplomas with transcript of records, or, if the Doctoral degree is not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date.
7. Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the expected research profile may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further details are available from

Professor Bjørn Kløve, bjorn.klove(at)oulu.fi

Call edited 1.11.2024: three positions available, call deadline extended to December 31st, 2024. The starting date of the position is the 1^st of March, 2025.

1. Björn Klöve,