Sami Jouttijärvi

The Materials Engineering Unit at the University of Turku is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher or Project Researcher for the SnowPower project, a collaborative effort with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. This project integrates snow physics, meteorology, and energy engineering to model and optimize solar energy production in snowy regions, focusing on computational modeling, data analysis, and machine learning. The research aims to improve simulations of solar panel performance under snow accumulation, identify optimal panel setups, and support the growth of renewable energy in cold climates. The position is located in Turku, Finland, within the Faculty of Technology, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and the Solar Energy Materials and Systems research group. The successful candidate will primarily conduct computational research, including modeling solar energy systems and analyzing the impact of snow. Collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and other computational researchers is central to the role. Applicants should hold a higher university degree (MSc) in materials engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. For doctoral researcher roles, an accepted research plan is required. Candidates must demonstrate motivation and ability for postgraduate studies, with a strong academic record and timely graduation. Fluent English communication skills are mandatory, and programming experience is an advantage. Near-graduating MSc students may apply as research assistants, with the possibility to transition to doctoral researcher status upon meeting criteria. The position is fully funded for 2026–2029, with a starting salary of approximately 2510 €/month for doctoral/project researchers and 2280 €/month for research assistants. The contract is fixed-term, with a six-month trial period for doctoral researchers and three months for research assistants/project researchers. The university provides comprehensive occupational health care, well-being services, flexible working hours, remote work options, and free Open University courses for staff. The University of Turku is internationally recognized for research excellence and offers strong support for international hires. Applications must be submitted by January 14, 2026, via the University of Turku's electronic application system. Required documents include a CV, degree diplomas (with transcript), and a motivation letter. For more information, visit the university's job portal and research group pages.

The University of Turku invites applications for a fixed-term doctoral researcher position in solar energy engineering, focusing on the SnowPower project. This project, led by University Lecturer Sami Jouttijärvi, is funded for 2026–2029 and aims to advance the measurement and modeling of sunlight reflected by snow to enhance solar energy production during snowy seasons. The research will improve simulations of solar energy yield losses due to snow accumulation on panels, optimize panel setups for economic value and maintenance, and support the growth of renewable energy in snowy regions. The successful candidate will join the Solar Energy Materials and Systems research group in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology. The role involves computational research, including modeling solar energy systems, analyzing the impact of snow, and applying machine learning and data analysis methods. Collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and other computational researchers is integral to the project. Applicants should hold (or be near completion of) a Master’s degree in materials engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. An excellent academic record, strong collaboration and communication skills, and programming experience are valued. Fluent English (oral and written) is required. Candidates close to completing their MSc may be hired as research assistants, with the expectation to transition to doctoral researcher upon degree completion and acceptance into the doctoral program. The position offers a salary of approximately 2510 €/month for doctoral/project researchers and 2280 €/month for research assistants, with a trial period (6 months for doctoral researchers, 3 months for research assistants/project researchers). The University of Turku provides a supportive, international research environment, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive well-being services. The application deadline is January 14, 2026. For further information, contact University Lecturer Sami Jouttijärvi ([email protected]). Apply online with your CV, degree diplomas and transcript, motivation letter, and contact details for two professional references. More details and the application link are available in the official announcement.