Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is at the forefront of research in micro-, nano-, and atomic-scale engineering of materials. Our focus areas include advanced and functional materials, chemical synthesis, energy storage and conversion, as well as molecular and materials modeling.
Within this department, the Electrochemical Materials and Applications (EMA) research group (https://dyerga.org), led by Prof. Daniel Martin-Yerga, is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcherto join our team.
The position is funded by the collaborative NordForsk project AGRI-WASTE2H2, which aims to develop electrocatalysts and processes for the simultaneous production of green hydrogen and value-added chemicals from cellulose. As a Doctoral Researcher, you will engage in cutting-edge research in experimental electrocatalysis, contributing to high-impact projects within a dynamic and supportive team environment.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Implementing experimental approaches for high-throughput screening of electrocatalysts.
- Investigating the physicochemical properties of selected electrocatalysts for cellulose oxidation and decomposition into valuable chemicals.
- Developing cellulose dissolution methods compatible with electrochemical conversion.
- Mastering advanced electrochemical, analytical, and materials characterization techniques.
Other tasks related to the position include:
- Preparing detailed reports and scientific articles.
- Presenting your research findings in group meetings and to collaborators
- Participate in national and international conferences.
- Conduct studies required to complete the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering (typically four years). Find more information and check you fulfil the admission criteria here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering.
You will be a key member of the newly established EMA research group at Aalto University, where we prioritize collaboration and foster a supportive, inclusive environment. We expect you to embrace these values and contribute to creating a welcoming workplace for everyone in the group, department, and school.
The project involves collaboration with Prof. Helena Lundberg (KTH in Sweden) and Prof. Maksim Ošeka (TalTech in Estonia). The primary workplace will be Aalto University but short-term research visits to these institutions are planned to enhance your research experience and collaboration.
To succeed in this role, your qualifications are
- A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Previous experience in experimental electrochemistry or biomass chemistry, and a willingness to develop skills in both areas.
- Experience with data analysis, programming (e.g., Python, LabVIEW), and/or electronics (e.g., Arduino) is advantageous.
- A cooperative mindset and the ability to work effectively within diverse teams are essential.
- Strong command of English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Finnish is not required.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.aalto.fi/en/open-positions/doctoral-researcher-in-electrocatalytic-valorization-of-biomass