Summary
The University of Oulu invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Technology. The selected researcher will work on the MatH2 project, focusing on fracture mechanics, hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and structural integrity of welded steel pipelines for future hydrogen infrastructure.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Fracture Mechanical Properties of Welded Structures for Hydrogen Applications, University of Oulu, Finland
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Details
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Postdoctoral Researcher – Fracture Mechanical Properties of Welded Structures for Hydrogen Applications |
| Institution | University of Oulu |
| Faculty/Unit | Faculty of Technology, Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Fixed-term |
| Duration | 2.5 years |
| Starting Date | 01 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter |
| Salary | Approximately €3,800–€4,400 per month (gross, before taxes) |
| Position Available | 1 |
| Reference Number | 2026/467 |
| Application Deadline | 23 August 2026 |
Research Area
Materials Engineering, Fracture Mechanics, Hydrogen Embrittlement, Welded Steel Structures, Mechanical Testing, Metallurgy, and Hydrogen Energy Infrastructure
Location
University of Oulu, Oulu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must have:
- A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline such as:
- Materials Engineering
- Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Related fields
- PhD awarded within the last 10 years.
- Strong motivation for scientific research and innovation.
- Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, and communication skills in English.
- Experience in scientific publishing and research dissemination.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of mechanical properties of steels or metallic materials.
- Experience with welds, fracture mechanics, and hydrogen embrittlement studies.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical testing (fracture toughness, fatigue testing, etc.).
- Experience in computational modelling of relevant phenomena.
- Research publications related to the position.
Job Description
The selected Postdoctoral Researcher will:
- Conduct advanced experimental research on fracture mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement resistance of welded pipeline steels.
- Study microstructural factors influencing fracture behaviour in weld joints.
- Perform mechanical testing and advanced microstructural characterization.
- Analyse structure–property relationships in welded steel materials under hydrogen-related conditions.
- Collaborate with industry partners and research teams within the MatH2 project.
- Contribute to technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
- Support the development of safer and more reliable hydrogen transport infrastructure.
Salary & Benefits
- Monthly gross salary: approximately €3,800–€4,400.
- Fixed-term employment for 2.5 years.
- Six-month probation period.
- Access to professional development opportunities and university employee benefits.
- Support through the university’s international community and researcher development programmes.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application through the University of Oulu’s recruitment system.
The application must be written in English and include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) according to Finnish research integrity guidelines.
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing:
- Professional experience
- Research expertise
- Research interests
- Motivation for joining the project
- Publication list following research council guidelines.
- Contact details of two referees for recommendations.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online or on-site interview and may be asked to provide academic certificates and Master’s thesis details.
Last Date to Apply
23 August 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time)
Official Recruitment Portal: University of Oulu uses the Varbi recruitment system for applications.
