LUT University’s Department of Separation Science is looking for a junior (doctoral) researcher with the focus on development of nanomaterials for photocatalytic nitrogen reduction (PNR). 

The Department of Separation Science is Finland’s largest academic research unit specializing in separation and purification technologies. The department conducts research driven by separation methods on water purification, biorefining, mineral engineering, metal refining, and Power-to-X technologies. The department employs approximately 110 researchers and collaborates closely with the industry.  

Emissions of nitrates (NO₃⁻) into surface waters, combined with rising freshwater and coastal water temperatures due to climate change, are a primary cause of poor water quality and aquatic ecosystem disruption worldwide. This occurs through a process known as eutrophication.

As a result, many lakes in Finland and the Baltic Sea experience episodes of blue-green algae blooms, reduced water transparency, and oxygen depletion. Nitrate pollution can also infiltrate groundwater reservoirs and drinking water supplies, posing both acute and chronic health risks, including methemoglobinemia and increased risks of colorectal and bladder cancer.

Addressing nitrate-induced water pollution is therefore of critical importance, especially considering that approximately 75% of EU residents rely on groundwater for their water supply.

This research is conducted at the LUT University unit in Mikkeli. The study focuses on the development, synthesis, and testing of novel nanomaterials for the photocatalytic reduction of nitrates to nitrogen gas (N₂) or ammonium (NH₄⁺). It is part of the new project WAPRR – Water Purification and Resource Recovery through Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction (starting in September 2025), which is closely linked to the ongoing project VersaMOF – Versatile and Stable Metal-Organic Frameworks Coated onto 3D Substrates.

• WAPRR Project Details
• VersaMOF Project Details

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified candidate with a master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology or related fields, and the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University.  Written and spoken proficiency in English is required in this position. 

Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship. If you are applying with an unfinished master’s degree, you must complete it before the employment contract is finalised.

What we value

• Experience in synthesis of nanomaterials, photocatalytic studies, and/or characterization of nanomaterials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong interest and motivation to conduct high-impact research.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Alignment with our core values.

What we offer

• A vibrant research environment in the field of water treatment.
• Excellent potential for high-quality publications and conference participation.

In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

Employment relationship and pay

The employment relationship starts with a one-year term, including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies and research have progressed satisfactorily in the first year. 

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 33,400 euros. 

The work will start in September 2025 (negotiable). The job is based in Mikkeli, Finland. 

Applications 

The deadline for applications is 31 July2025 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC +3h). 

Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format: 

• Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
• Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If your degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date confirmed by your supervisor or school.
• List of publications.
• Contact information of two people who can provide references.

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. 

Further information 

• Postdoctoral researcher Kinga Skalska-Tuomi, kinga.skalska@lut.fi, +358 505 363 796
• Professor Mika Mänttäri, mika.manttari@lut.fi, +358 40 342 192

Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.

Explore information for international staff.

LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world's top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.

Application period starts: 2025-07-02 09:00 Application period ends: 2025-07-31 23:59