Doctoral student, geopolymer research – University of Oulu

The Fibre and Particle Engineering research group of the University of Oulu is opening a position for a Doctoral Student. The field of the research is Geopolymer research.

Organization

Thesis worker will work on the topic of “Porous geopolymers from industrial side streams” under research projects funded by the Academy of Finland and Tekes. Industrial side streams included in the investigation are mine tailings, fly ashes, and slags. In geopolymerization, alumina- and silica-rich materials are activated with alkali solution. The formed geopolymer is a three-dimensional amorphous network, which resembles ceramic materials but can be made with room temperature processes (aided by alkali activation). The target material, porous ceramics, have become essential in a wide array of industrial processes, due to the inherent inertness and high strength of ceramics in harsh conditions. They are frequently used as filters, catalyst supports, insulators, absorbents among other large volume applications. The work is both academically challenging and has a large industrial relevance and interest.

Work description

We are looking for a motivated doctoral student for the whole duration of the thesis work (four years). Part of the thesis work is recommended to be completed as a brief international research exchange. The education requirements for a PhD degree studies are given by the University of Oulu graduate school UniOGS (http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/). The position includes a maximum of 5% teaching requirement or other infrastructural responsibilities.

Starting date: December 2015 or according to agreement.

Eligibility

Master’s degree in inorganic chemistry, mineralogy, process engineering, environmental engineering or equivalent. The applicant should be highly motivated, have good analytical and problem solving skills and fluent English.

Salary

Depending on personal achievement and performance, the salary of the Doctoral student will be set at levels 2–4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities (€ 2450 – 2900 gross).

Application deadline: 30 September 2015.

Read more and apply here.