Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Mechanical and Railway Engineering) Tampere University in Finland

Tampere University is recruiting one fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mechanical and Railway Engineering within the Unit of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. The position is based in the Machine Design group, specifically the Machine Dynamics Group, where research focuses on machine dynamics, contact modelling, vibration experiments, and numerical railway vehicle dynamic analysis for model-based condition monitoring.

The successful candidate will work on Monitoring, Mechanism Analysis, and Mitigation for Sustainable Asset Management of Railway Wheel Out-of-Roundness. The role involves close collaboration with VR Fleetcare, the Finnish train maintenance company, and offers the distinctive opportunity to spend one year at Tampere University and one year at VR Fleetcare. The project also provides access to the Full-Scale Wheel-Rail Lab at Tampere University and testing on real trains owned by VR Fleetcare, making this a strong applied research environment for railway technology, dynamics, and maintenance-oriented engineering.

The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to the broader research environment by supervising PhD and MSc students, preparing grant applications, and supporting the general activities of the research labs. The position is particularly suitable for researchers interested in wheel-rail contact mechanics, vibration analysis, finite element modelling, multibody dynamics, and railway-related condition monitoring.

Applicants should hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong competence in independent scientific work. The university is looking for a motivated and self-guided researcher with a strong theoretical background and a willingness to collaborate closely with industry and to participate in laboratory and field measurements. Experience in railway engineering is an advantage. Required expertise includes vibration and data analysis of measurement data, especially accelerometer data; finite element analysis with emphasis on thermomechanical, fatigue, and contact mechanisms; and multibody dynamics, preferably in railway dynamics. Adequate teaching skills and fluency in spoken and written English are expected.

The appointment is fixed-term for 2 years. The planned starting date is between October 2026 and December 2026, or as mutually agreed. The salary follows the Finnish University Salary System at job demand level 5-6 and is typically 4000-4500 Euro per month, with additional performance-based pay.

Applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system by 2026-09-27. Materials should be prepared in English and uploaded in PDF format. Required documents include a Curriculum Vitae (for example according to TENK guidelines), a list of publications, and a letter of motivation describing achievements, ambition, preferred research topic, and key publications or other achievements. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a short research plan.

For further information, the contact person is Assistant Professor Xinxin Yu at Tampere University.