Three Postdoctoral Researchers, “Hydrogen Future As Climate Change Solution (H2future)” Programme At The University Of Oulu

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

We are now looking for:

Three Postdoctoral Researchers

to join us in “Hydrogen Future as Climate Change Solution (H2FUTURE)” programme at the University of Oulu (Finland) for a fixed term of 3 years

About the profilation

HYDROGEN FUTURE AS A CLIMATE SOLUTION (H2FUTURE) combines the University of Oulu’s research strengths in future H2 production, sustainable metals reduction processes, and hydrogen resistant steel development to a unique, holistic, multidisciplinary research community with ambition in enabling green and sustainable hydrogen transition. H2FUTURE is leveraging research excellence in future energy formation and its applications to mitigate the energy and environmental crisis.

H2FUTURE stands on fundamental research on physics, chemistry, process metallurgy, physical metallurgy and mechanical engineering related to H2FUTURE thematics. Thematics cover but are not limited to energy efficient and climate neutral hydrogen productions, fossil-free metals production and development of steels for hydrogen transition. H2FUTURE forms a part of our national profiling actions supported by the Academy of Finland and actively interacts with other profile areas of InStream, Genome of Steel and HiDyn within the University of Oulu’s research focuses. By recruiting talented researchers from natural sciences and engineering, H2FUTURE is accumulating knowledge to bolster scientific profiles and moreover creating new research expertise to develop the profile at the University of Oulu.

Thematic in the H2FUTURE programme

Solar photocatalysis

As the demand for green hydrogen continues to rise, the high energy demands associated with conventional methods like electrolysis highlight the need for alternative approaches. Photocatalysis, leveraging solar energy for various applications, presents a promising approach for sustainable hydrogen production, CO2 reduction and/or pollutant degradation. The focus of this research theme is on the development and characterization of photocatalysts for direct photocatalytic water splitting, CO2 reduction and/or pollutant degradation aiming to unlock the potential of energy-efficient method towards green energy transition and emission free future.

Steels in Hydrogen Environment

The transition from carbon-based to hydrogen-based steelmaking processes represents a pivotal shift towards greener industrial practices. This research area is of great importance due to the essential role high-strength steels play in construction materials.

Material engineering - The occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement creates a significant challenge, leading to unpredictable collapses of metallic structures and applications. High-strength steels are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon, demanding a comprehensive understanding of their properties. The urgent need for science-based solutions is evident, aiming to address hydrogen embrittlement issues and contribute to innovations in steelmaking processes.

Process metallurgy - Hydrogen reduction of metal oxides, specifically exploring the substitution of carbon with hydrogen as a reducing agent in iron and steelmaking. Both experimental and computational investigations of hydrogen reduction phenomena in laboratory and industrial settings will be explored, including various hydrogen reduction techniques, considering different process conditions and raw materials.

Hydrogen via Methane Pyrolysis

With the energy-intensive nature of electrolytic hydrogen production prompting exploration of alternative methods, thermocatalytic decomposition of methane or biomethane emerges as a scalable approach for green hydrogen production. To advance this field, catalyst development, innovative techniques, and compatible reactor designs are required. This research theme aims not only to contribute to the fundamental understanding of thermocatalytic processes but also to pave the way for practical advancements in sustainable hydrogen production.

H2FUTURE Broader Scope

In addition to the core themes, H2FUTURE also explores unconventional hydrogen pathways and cross-cutting aspects that strengthen resilience of the hydrogen economy. These include natural hydrogen resources such as geological “white hydrogen” and biologically produced hydrogen in Arctic environments, as well as photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting as an integrated solar-to-hydrogen technology. Furthermore, H2FUTURE addresses the environmental and societal impacts of large-scale hydrogen deployment, highlighting questions of sustainability and justice in the global energy transition. Research on hydrogen safety, resilience, and security complements these activities by ensuring the durability and reliability of future hydrogen infrastructures.

We are looking for three postdoctoral researchers to strengthen and expand the above-mentioned thematics to join our team and facilitate the green transition towards a hydrogen future.

Requirements for the position

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field that was awarded not more than ten years ago.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest
• Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
• Fluent written and interpersonal communication skills in English

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

The candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, suitability for the research topics, and potential as researchers. The following merits are seen as a strong advantage:

• Experience in research in the field(s) of the call.
• Experience in supervision
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds

What we offer?

• We offer a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars, excellent research infrastructures and the possibility to make use of funding opportunities to generate new research ideas.
• The University of Oulu offers flexible working hours and an excellent work-life balance, and provides a range of occupational healthcare services.
• Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. Read more about working with us and our other staff benefits.
• Finland is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Oulu is a city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents of Oulu enjoy Finland’s high standard of living combined with affordable housing. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The successful candidates will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for university-level teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately €3800-4000 per month, depending on the qualifications.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant appendices, must be submitted using the electronic application form by October 15th 2025, at 23:59 (EET). The application shall be written in English and include the following:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests and career plans should be described here.
• Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (see guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity)
• List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (see the guidelines of the Academy of Finland))
• Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original Ph.D. degree certificate and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English. In case the degree is still in process, please give an official notification from the supervisor or faculty to address the estimated date of defense.
• Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the electronic portal will be considered.

Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the coordinator of H2FUTURE:

Filipp Temerov, filipp.temerov@oulu.fi, tel.+358 50 569 7739

Työsopimuksen voimassaolo: määräaikainen yli 6 kuukautta | Työsuhteen luonne: kokoaikainen | Paikkojen lukumäärä: 3 | Työllisyysaste: 100% | Paikkakunta: Oulu | Maakunta: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa | Maa: Finland | Ilmoitusnumero: 2025/518 | Julkaistu: 2025-09-17 | Haku päättyy: 2025-10-15