Doctoral Researcher / Master’S Thesis Worker Ringo – Piston Ring Dynamics Measurement For Understanding And Reducing Lube Oil Transport

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ARotor Lab at the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering in collaboration with our industrial partner Wärtsilä is looking for a

Doctoral Researcher / Master’s Thesis Worker

RingO – Piston Ring Dynamics Measurement for Understanding and Reducing Lube Oil Transport

Description of the project

Lubrication is essential in internal combustion engines to reduce wear and friction between sliding components, particularly the piston–liner system. Inevitably, some of the lubricating oil enters the combustion chamber, leading to carbon deposits, coke formation, particulate emissions, and, in the case of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, severe risks of pre-ignition. Minimizing oil ingress while maintaining sufficient lubrication has become a major engineering challenge.

Despite extensive research and simulations, oil transport mechanisms are still insufficiently understood. Current models lack proper validation data. This project focuses on developing novel measurement techniques to capture piston ring dynamics and lube oil transport with high temporal and spatial resolution. The work will directly contribute to improving existing simulation tools used in both academia and industry.

The project is part of the Wärtsilä–Aalto Industrial D.Sc. program, ensuring strong industrial relevance and access to unique experimental setups. You will be employed by the University, but your work will be conducted physically both at Aalto University campus and Wärtsilä Vaasa STH laboratory, to provide best-possible methodological support for your doctoral dissertation project.

As an industrial Doctoral Researcher, you will be working closely with Wärtsilä engines research and development department to maintain the research relevance for industry, addressing real world challenges. Co-advising will be provided by related subject matter experts at Wärtsilä and your research outcome will be pressure tested in real world applications.

Research focus

Skills we are looking for

Please note that these are considered assets, not strict requirements:

General eligibility criteria

What we offer

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system by November 30th 2025 at 23:59 Finnish time (UTC +2).

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). Aalto University’s students and visitors should apply as external candidates with personal (not aalto) email.

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

Application materials (all in English, compiled into one pdf):

Further information

For additional information, please contact:
Assistant Professor Raine Viitala (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi)

For recruitment system questions, please contact:
Paula Thomsson-Leva (paula.thomsson-leva@aalto.fi)

More about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto
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