Jukka Kömi

University of Oulu is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for the ERC Starting Grant project NewGenH2Steel in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit . This 3-year fixed-term position is centered on Materials Science , Mechanical Engineering , Metallurgical Engineering , and advanced steel research. The project investigates the fundamental physics of fatigue crack growth in multiphase metastable new-generation steels using advanced multi-scale characterization. The successful candidate will work in the Steel Fatigue Research Group and collaborate with doctoral and postdoctoral researchers as well as international partners. Research methods include in situ micromechanics/nanomechanics , cyclic loading and fatigue experiments in SEM/TEM, synchrotron X-ray tomography and diffraction , Digital Volume Correlation , automated image segmentation, and analysis of crack-tip opening displacement, crack closure, phase transformations, and defect interactions. Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field (degree obtained within the last 10 years). Strong experience in experimental fatigue and advanced in situ characterization is highly desirable, together with programming and image-processing skills in Python , MATLAB , or ImageJ . Experience with Abaqus , COMSOL Multiphysics , Crystal Plasticity , CALPHAD, phase-field simulation, or synchrotron/tomography data analysis is an advantage. Excellent English communication, analytical ability, and teamwork are required. The position is full time, starts on 01.09.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and offers a starting gross salary of approximately 3950–4400 EUR/month before taxes, plus a performance-based component. The application deadline is 31.07.2026 at 23:59 Finnish local time. Apply through the University of Oulu recruitment system and include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, research plan, and contact details for two referees. Contact persons for questions are Senior Research Fellow Sumit Ghosh and Professor Jukka Kömi .

University of Oulu is recruiting two Doctoral Researchers for the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit in the Faculty of Technology. The project, NewGenH2Steel , focuses on developing new-generation hydrogen-resistant steels and sustainable ultrahigh-strength steels for green hydrogen infrastructure and a carbon-neutral society. The doctoral researchers will join the Steel Fatigue Research Group and work on original research in materials science , mechanical engineering , and metallurgy . Research topics include designing multiphase metastable structures through swift processing, analyzing hydrogen embrittlement resistance, modeling microstructural evolution, and predicting how processing parameters affect material properties. The role also includes experimental validation, dissemination through papers and conferences, and collaboration with interdisciplinary and industry partners. Selected candidates will receive training in advanced steel characterization, micromechanical property evaluation under static and cyclic loading, physical simulation using state-of-the-art facilities, and CALPHAD-based thermodynamic and numerical modelling . Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics, Abaqus, synchrotron data analysis, and phase-field or diffusion models is considered an advantage. Eligibility: a master's degree in a relevant field such as Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Physics; strong English communication skills; analytical ability; teamwork; and motivation for research. The position is fixed-term for 3.5 years and starts on 2026-09-01 or as soon as possible thereafter. Funding: salaried doctoral researcher position with a starting gross salary of approximately 2800-3200 EUR/month before taxes, plus a performance-based salary component. Application deadline: 2026-07-31 at 23:59 Finnish local time. Apply via the University of Oulu recruitment system with a cover letter, CV, initial research plan, and publication list.

The University of Oulu is offering a fixed-term, 3-year postdoctoral researcher position in the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit, within the ERC Starting Grant project NewGenH2Steel . The project focuses on the fundamental physics of fatigue crack growth in multiphase metastable next-generation steels. The successful candidate will work with advanced multiscale characterization methods, combining in situ micromechanics and nanomechanics with high-energy synchrotron radiation and X-ray computed tomography (SR-μCT) to study defect interactions and non-propagating cracks in real time. The role is based in the Steel Fatigue Research Group at the University of Oulu and offers close interaction with doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, other university groups, and international collaborators. The research environment is strongly oriented toward physical and mechanical metallurgy, advanced high-strength steels, and sustainable engineering solutions for carbon-neutral society. Key tasks include in situ cyclic loading and fatigue testing in SEM and TEM, synchrotron X-ray tomography and diffraction, analysis of crack-tip opening displacement and crack closure, study of interactions between small cracks and microstructural barriers, and advanced data processing using digital volume correlation, segmentation, and related image-analysis tools. Experience with Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, crystal plasticity, and related modeling approaches is especially relevant. The position is open to applicants with a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. The degree must have been completed within the last 10 years. Strong programming and image-processing skills, excellent English communication, and the ability to work independently and in teams are important. Experience with synchrotron facilities, experimental fatigue, advanced characterization, CALPHAD, phase-field simulation, and finite element methods is a strong advantage. The position offers a gross monthly salary of approximately €3950-4400 before taxes, plus a personal performance-based component. The appointment starts on 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with a 6-month trial period. Apply via the University of Oulu recruitment system by 31 July 2026 at 23:59 Finnish local time. The application must be written in English and include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, research plan, and contact details for two referees. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview and asked to provide diplomas and references.