Doctoral Researcher in energy efficient off-road machinery (DSII)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University explores research questions that are directly relevant for industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative.

The sponsoring company for this position is Volvo Construction Equipment. Volvo Construction Equipment, a division of Volvo Group, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment such as wheel loaders, haulers, excavators, road machinery, and compact machines. DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of off-road mobile machinery. The research will focus on novel hydraulic system powering the work functions of an excavator. The main motivation for the research is improvement of energy efficiency of the machine. The research concentrates on experimental study of the excavator’s efficiency and controllability enabled by the novel system.

As a Doctoral Researcher you will carry out the research work and take the relevant courses to complete the post-graduate studies. The research work includes not only planning and realization of experimental tests, but also study and development of control methods. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Postdoctoral Researcher Mikko Huova and Senior Research Fellow Matti Linjama. From Volvo CE there will be supervision from senior corporate researchers having long application know-how . You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives.

The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers will also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

Requirements

You need to have an applicable master’s degree in automation, machine design/mechanical engineering or fluid power, or a related discipline in science or engineering. Good skills in MATLAB/Simulink are required and knowledge about mobile work machines. Experience in modelling and simulation of mobile machinery is considered as an advantage.  You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required.

Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing as soon as possible after the application period, or as mutually agreed. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2600 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group is called Innovative Hydraulics and Automation (IHA) and non-road mobile machinery and energy efficient systems belong to our focus areas.

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business.The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is January 16th, 2024 (23:59 EET / UTC+3).

Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application:

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees).
• List of publications
• Degree certificates
• Transcript of records (master’s degree studies).

For further information, please contact:

Mikko Huova, email: mikko.huova(at)tuni.fi

Application period starts: 2024-01-02 10:00 Application period ends: 2024-01-16 23:59