Overview
LUT Universitys Department of Separation Science is seeking a junior (doctoral) researcher with a focus on the development of microplastic analyses.
The Department of Separation Science is Finlands largest academic research unit specialising 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.
The work will focus on developing analytical methods for identification and quantification of microplastics and assessing the suitability of various existing water treatment methods to remove microplastics from wastewater.
For the first three years, the research will be tightly linked to the Interreg Central Baltic project Balt-Plast-Free, which is carried out in collaboration with Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd. (Finland), the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (Estonia), the Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), and AS Emajõe Waterworks Ltd. (Estonia). In this project, LUT Universitys main role is to plan and implement sampling campaigns at Finnish wastewater treatment plants that utilise different tertiary treatments and to pilot microfiltration of the influent. The assessment of both full-scale processes and pilots will provide more reliable information for the latter techno-economical evaluation. LUT University will develop pretreatment and analytical methods for microplastics assessment and characterisation together with Estonian partners to enable the utilisation of harmonised protocols throughout the project. In addition to microplastics, also other relevant variables will be analysed from the targeted wastewater treatment plants to relate their removal rates with microplastics. The results will be used to evaluate how efficiently different tertiary treatment processes comply with future EU regulations.
Candidate profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate who wants to contribute to finding solutions to protect the environment from microplastics pollution.
Applicants must have a higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., masters degree in chemical engineering, environmental science, analytical chemistry or a related field), 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.
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.
What we value
– Background in chemical engineering, environmental science and/or analytical chemistry, which provide a solid basis for developing microplastic analyses and interpreting results.
– Experience in characterisation methods suitable for microplastics, such as Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, previous experience of conducting microplastic studies is appreciated.
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
What we offer
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 32,500 euros.
The work will start in August-October 2025 (negotiable) with a six-month trial period.
The job is based in LUT Universitys regional unit in Mikkeli, Finland. The work will include occasional travelling related to sampling and research project activities.
Applications
The deadline for applications is 26 May 2025 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](https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
– Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelors, masters) 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: Professor Mika Mänttäri, mika.manttari@lut.fi, +358 407 342 192, and post-doctoral researcher Mirka Viitala, mirka.viitala@lut.fi, +358 504 341 057.
Read more about [LUT as an employer](https://www.lut.fi/en/about-us/come-work-us/lut-employer) and the [LUT Doctoral School](https://www.lut.fi/en/research/doctoral-school).
Explore [information for international staff](https://www.lut.fi/en/about-us/come-work-us/international-staff-and-visitors).
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