The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business sciences, technology and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

We are offering a fixed term positions of Project Researcher (PhD student) starting January 2025 or as soon as possible and ending in December 2026. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovations and Renewable Energy and Built Environment team (energy technology discipline). The positions are full-time, but part-time wishes are also considered.

We are seeking a highly motivated person to join a dynamic research team on an exciting project funded by the Research Council of Finland (2024-2026). The project focuses on developing energy forecasting systems, modeling agent-based interactions in building environments, and applying parallel computing to optimise energy efficiency in schools.

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours.

https://www.univaasa.fi/en/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/

Requirements

- You have a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Energy Systems or a related field.
- You have a possible interest in pursuing PhD degree
- Strong knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC), agent-based modeling (ABM), or parallel computing techniques.
- Experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or control systems.
- Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, COMSOL) and familiarity with optimisation algorithms, neural networks, or reinforcement learning.
- Strong mathematical background and experience in dynamic system modeling is highly desirable.
- You have good communication skills, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are open to sharing your knowledge with colleagues and ambitious to develop yourself as a researcher.
- Fluent written and spoken English language skills are mandatory in the position.

To be eligible for a full PhD student status, the candidate is required to participate in a separate application process which is arranged at least twice a year in order to be admitted and enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa. For more information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Graduate School's website: Doctoral education University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/education/doctoral-education)

Inspirational work environment

The position is situated in the School of Technology and Innovations within the team of Energy Storage and Built Environment (Energy Technology).

Teams in the field of energy technology are innovative, focused on modern technology that has a high level of significance in international business operations. We need open-minded, creative and skilled individuals to explore and develop the future energy solutions, decentralised electrical energy distribution systems, smart electricity grids, flexible hybrid energy production, modern fuel combustion engine technology and related bio fuels, energy storages and power electronics. We continuously develop all of our operations in cooperation with companies and other partners. We are strongly networked and responsible actors in research, education and public relations. As a work community, our team is diverse, international and encouraging. The cooperation and support of colleagues promotes well-being and inspires working.

More information about the School and the team:https://www.univaasa.fi/en/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/School of Technology and Innovations University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)(https://www.uwasa.fi/en/university/organisation-and-management/school-technology-and-innovations)

Salary

The salary will be based on both the job requirement and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The monthly salary of a Project Researcher (PhD Student) is based on job demand levels 2-4 (€ 2225-3300). An additional personal salary component is included based on work performance.

https://www.univaasa.fi/fi/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/electrical_engineering_and_energy_technology/

How to apply

To apply for this position, please use our online application system (using the Leave an application" button below). The application, including appendices, has to be submitted using our online application database no later than 14th November 2024.

The application should include the following annexes in English (See instructions concerning these annexes: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments):

- Curriculum vitae
- Additional attachment 1. Single-page cover letter describing your motivation for this topic of research
- Additional attachment 2. Transcript of study records in a PDF format

Further information about the position:

- Professor Xiaoshu Lu, tel. +358 29 449 8520
- Email: firstname.lastname (a) uwasa.fi

Inquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi mailto:careers@uva.fi

The employment is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

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The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe's largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society - internationally, nationally and regionally. Our community includes 5,000 students and 600 employees from 80 countries. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. Read more about Working at the University University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)(https://www.uwasa.fi/e