Doctoral Researcher in Steel Structures (DSII)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant to industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. 

DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.

The partner company for this position is Ruukki Construction. Ruukki Construction (https://ruukki.com)  is subsidiary of SSAB steel company. Ruukki manufactures steel-based products for walls and roofs, for both commercial buildings and private homes. Ruukki is a supplier of high-quality products, systems and solutions, developed sustainably and to live up to the highest demands on durability in harsh conditions.

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of steel structures, in particular, for the behaviour of trapezoidal sheeting in fire. The goals are:

1.Provide detailed description of the behaviour of multi-span trapezoidal sheeting and its connections in fire conditions.

2.Develop validated design procedure for multi-span trapezoidal sheeting systems in fire.

3.Quantify the lateral support provided by trapezoidal sheet to the supporting structure (e.g. main girder of the steel frame) in fire conditions.

As a Doctoral Researcher you are responsible for executing and successfully completing the goals of the project. This entails advanced simulations, planning and performing laboratory tests on trapezoidal sheeting and their connections at elevated temperatures, and parametric studies.  The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry. The tasks of doctoral researchers also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Associate Professor Kristo Mela. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives. 

By participating in DSII events, excursions, meetings and training sessions with your fellow doctoral students, you will both get and provide peer support and make your own contribution to the development of DSII.

Requirements

You need to have an applicable master’s degree in structural or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering. The position requires

• design rules and practices for cold-formed steel structures by the Eurocode
• nonlinear finite element analyses of steel structures by beam and solid elements
• modelling and analysing steel structures in elevated temperatures representing fire
• ability to work in a laboratory (with laboratory staff members)
• a good command of both spoken and written English.

We appreciate that you would have experience in at least some of the following: 

• finite element modelling using commercial software, e.g. ABAQUS
• general knowledge about design of steel structures, especially according to Eurocode 3.
• working in laboratory for material or structural testing

You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. 

Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in January 2025 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. Place of work is Tampere. Remote work opportunities are agreed upon separately when needed.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2500 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.  

We invite you to participate a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group is Metal and Lightweight Structures, and our research focuses on steel and timber structures as well as structural fire safety (https://research.tuni.fi/metke/).

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop vital skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business.The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus, and several on-campus restaurants and cafés with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University. 

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 18.11.2024 (23:59 EET / 21.59 UTC). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees).
• List of publications
• Degree certificates
• Transcript of records (master's degree studies).

For further information, please contact:

Associate Professor Kristo Mela., email: kristo.mela@tuni.fi 

Professor Mikko Malaska., email: mikko.malaska@tuni.fi

Application period starts: 2024-10-09 12:00  Application period ends: 2024-11-18 23:59