Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en
Research group of Plastics and Elastomers (Plastics and Elastomer Technology | Tampere University) is an active, international team of assistants, M.Sc. thesis workers, doctoral students, and post-doctoral researchers. The team is led by two professors and the focus areas are polymer-composites, natural and sustainable polymeric materials, characterization, adhesive joints, and finite element simulations. We appreciate individuals interested in common work manners and active participation in group development.
Job description
We are looking for a Research Assistant or preferably M.Sc. thesis student to work related to a newly launched research project SUSHY (Sustainable Hybrid Structures). The project seeks for new material, smart-structural, and sustainable design alternatives to the industrial fields of marine (ship and yacht design and construction) and lifting systems (hoists). The project includes intensive collaboration with the companies of the field, and it targets to a high academic impact.
The overall goal of the job is to improve current micro-test systems of fibres and fibre-matrix systems. This requires laboratory work with materials testing electronics and codes. Alongside, high-fidelity numerical analysis is needed to understand new characterization techniques. The research needs to be connected and communicated within the project and length-scale bridging modelling tasks are included. Part of the project collaboration happens internationally and a visit to a foreign research organization can be necessary.
It is preferred that the work entity related to this position will be finalized as a M.Sc. thesis.
Requirements
We appreciate the following:
- Courses taken and background in some of the following areas: Advanced composites, Adhesion and surface modifications, Finite element methods, Materials modelling, Micro-test methods, Electronics, Measuring techniques
- Prior knowledge and good understanding of mechanics of materials
- Some programming experience, and interest to develop material testing systems on micro-scale and numerically analyze these systems
Please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested.
Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/ Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.
We offer
The position will be full-time and fixed-term (6 months). The expected starting date is 1st September 2026. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.
The salary will be based on both the job demands and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. The position of Research Assistant is placed on the job demand level 1 (the demand level chart for the teaching and research staff). In addition, employees will receive performance-based salary.
We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.
We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Interdisciplinarity is highly encouraged, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We have a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. Applications and all accompanying documentation should be written in English or Finnish, and uploaded in PDF format. The closing date for applications is 20 August 2026 (at 23.59 EEST / UTC +3). Please note that applicants may be invited to participate to an interview throughout the application time and therefore we encourage to apply as soon as possible.
Applications should include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae with details
- Transcript of studies
- Motivation letter
For more information, please contact: Professor Mikko Kanerva, email: mikko.kanerva (at) tuni.fi
Application period starts: 2026-06-25 13:00. Application period ends: 2026-08-20 23:59
