Project Researcher (PhD. Student), engine control development (Energy Technology)

The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business sciences, technology and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

The position is offered initially for 2 years at earliest possible date as agreed. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovation and under energy technology discipline and Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS) research team. 

Your role

You will be part of an international team working in multiple challenging projects, at the forefront of research and development of novel combustion engine technologies. The focus is on developing and implementing powertrain control solution to support our cooperation with industrial partners in conforming to straightening emissions regulation in marine and off-road sectors. Our goal is to have ultra-efficient, large-bore gas engines meeting restrictive China II/Stage V emission norms demonstrated in a relevant environment by 2025. We realize this goal by heavily relying on model-based hardware and control development verified on state-of-the-art experimental facilities. To this end, we are seeking motivated researchers with experience in at least two of the listed fields:

• Engine/powertrain control design and implementation 
• Engine/powertrain system control commissioning, test and troubleshooting        
• Signal Analysis and Processing

You will also be supporting the development of new project proposals in your field attracting new funding opportunities. 

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours. 

Requirements

• You have a master's degree in a relevant field. For example, automation, control engineering.
• You have Excellent Skills with MATLAB /Simulink. Develop and test control system. 
• Systematic know-how of control development routine and laboratory testing. 
• Very good analytical skills in addition to good academic writing skills are highly advantageous for your candidature. A proven track record in relevant projects and high-quality journals/conferences/projects, on the topics related to the position, is an additional advantage.
• You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and practical pragmatism.
• You have good communication skills and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are open to sharing your knowledge with colleagues and ambitious to develop yourself as a researcher.
• Specialization in powertrains/automotive industry is seen as an advantage, such as applications of diesel pressure control, injection control, combustion phasing control etc. 
• FPGA and Model-based control design experience are seen as a plus. Knowledge of different sensor techniques and AutoCAD electrical design are a bonus. 
• Experience with rapid control prototyping is seen as a plus. 

Fluent written and spoken English language skills are mandatory in the position.

To be eligible for a full PhD student position, the candidate is required to participate in a separate application process which is arranged at least twice a year in order to be admitted and enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa. For more information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Graduate School's website: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/researcher/graduate_school/.

Inspirational work environment

In the University of Vaasa, we conduct combustion engine research focused on advanced energy concepts and alternative fuels. We have a special focus on large bore-marine and stationary engines, for which we have a unique, state of the art, research facilities at EnergyLab. With close collaboration with industry, we are transforming the energy sector by bringing the cutting-edge technology to real-world application. We welcome you to join one of the most fascinating energy innovation centers in the Nordic region as a Project researcher in combustion modelling and control. For more information about the facilities see: EnergyLab and JointLab.

Efficient Powertrain Solution (EPS) research group is part of Energy Technology track in the School of Technology and Innovations. We need open-minded, creative and skilled individuals to explore and develop the future energy solutions. We continuously develop all of our operations in cooperation with companies and other partners. We are strongly networked and responsible actors in research, education and public relations. As a work community, our team is diverse, international and encouraging. The cooperation and support of colleagues promotes well-being and inspires working.  More information about the School and the team.

We offer 

We have a great value to both your personal and your professional development. Many opportunities exist for you to develop: conferences, courses, workshops, coaching, mentoring and international internships.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ). The salary for a Project Researcher is based on demand levels 2-4 (approximately 2225-2775 euros/month). An additional personal salary component is paid based on work performance. 

How to apply 

To apply for this position, please use our online application system (using the "Submit an application" button below). The application, including appendices, has to be submitted using our online application database no later than 7th January 2025. 

The application should include the following annexes in English (See instructions concerning these annexes: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments): 

• Curriculum vitae
• Additional attachment 1. Single-page cover letter describing your motivation for this topic of research
• Additional attachment 2. Transcript of study records in a PDF format

Further Information

Further information about the position:

• Researcher Xiaoguo Storm. Tel. +358 29 449 8486 
• Professor Maciej Mikulski; Energy Technology - Research Group Leader in Efficient Powertrain Solution. Tel. +358 29 449 8591
• Email: firstname.lastname (a) uwasa.fi

Please note that due to the Christmas holidays, there may be delays in our replies.

The employment is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Inquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

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The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe's largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society - internationally, nationally and regionally. Our community includes 5,000 students and 600 employees from 80 countries. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. Read more about Working at the University | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)