Postdoctoral Researcher on Micromechanics of Multi-Metal Carbides/ Tutkijatohtori, mikromekaniikka j

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The Micromechanics and Nanostructures research group is an international research group at Tampere University which specializes in structure-mechanical property-performance correlations in materials. We research on all classes of materials – metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, and specialize in in-situ micromechanical testing of materials and the use of electron microscopy techniques. 

Job description

The Micromechanics and Nanostructures research group is now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on micromechanics of multi-metal carbides and use of advanced electron microscopy characterization to correlate the deformation substructures with their micromechanical properties. This position is primarily aimed at candidates having extensive experience and expertise in micromechanical test techniques like nanoindentation and micropillar compression. Experience in any of these techniques will be considered as an advantage: elevated (or variable) temperature nanoindentation, focused ion beam (FIB) milling for micro-sample and electron transparent lamellae preparation, microcantilever fracture, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) and/or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The position is funded through HECTOR Proof-of-Concept project funding received from Research Council of Finland focused on development and characterization of sustainable multi-metal carbide compositions with improved mechanical properties. The overall objective of this project is to demonstrate the use of multi-metal carbides for targeted industrial applications and to generate critical scientific knowledge on their deformation mechanisms, particularly at high temperatures. The project will involve detailed micro-mechanical and electron microscopy-based microstructural characterization at small length scales.

Requirements 

This position is intended for Ph.D. holders in Materials Science and Engineering and/or associated fields with experience in micromechanics including nanoindentation, micropillar compression and in-situ testing with scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling for preparation of micro-specimens and/or electron transparent lamellae and electron microscopy-based techniques like EBSD, TKD and TEM will be as considered as bonus. The position requires research experience and skills to carry out experiments investigating micromechanical properties of multi-metal carbides at high temperatures and study the deformation substructures using electron microscopy. It also requires working closely with collaboration partners to meet the project deliverables. We expect competence to pursue independent scientific work and project management skills. You should be fluent in spoken and written English and have solid experience in writing scientific publications and research proposals. 

We require: 

• Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering or allied fields 

• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently

• High motivation and interest in micromechanical deformation behavior of materials and electron microscopy characterization 
• Experience in nanoindentation and SEM
• Good communicational skills and ability to collaborate with members of the research group and other collaboration partners/stakeholders 
• Communicate project outcomes and progress effectively through scientific publications, presentations, lectures and social media communication. 

We appreciate: 

• Experience in electron microscopy techniques like EBSD, TKD, TEM and FIB.
• High temperature mechanical deformation behavior of materials, preferably high (or variable) temperature nanoindentation

What we offer

The position will be filled as a 1.5 -years fixed term contact. The start date is, preferably as soon as possible, and will be mutually agreed between the parties.  

The salary will be based on the University Salary System. The salary of a postdoctoral researcher is at levels 5-6. In addition to the basic salary, a supplementary portion of the salary will be paid based on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. A typical starting salary varies between 3700-4100 EUR/month. A trial period of six months applies to all new employees at Tampere University.  

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. 

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a center of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshments throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application in English using the university’s electronic application form (link below). The closing date for applications is 08.03.2026 (23:59 EEST (GMT+2). 

Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

Applications should include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (following TENK guidelines)
• List of publications (following Academy of Finland guidelines)

• Motivation letter (max 3 pages incl. research directions): 
  • Introduction of yourself and your qualifications
  • Previous research directions and main research results
  • Future goals and research focus. 
• Doctoral diploma in the original language with an official translation in English (if the original language is other than Finnish or English)
• Reference contact information from 1-2 people. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide the reference letters later. 

Selection process

The recruitment process takes place in two stages, supervised by a host professor:

• Study of the written application: CV + motivation letter and other required documents
• Selection interview: in person or by videoconference (MS Teams)

For more information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Gaurav Mohanty, gaurav.mohanty@tuni.fi

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences | Materials Science and Environmental Engineering | Engineering Materials Science (EMS)

https://www.tuni.fi/en/gaurav-mohanty

https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/micromechanics-and-nanostructures

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Mikromekaniikka ja nanorakenteet -tutkimusryhmä keskittyy materiaalien kokeelliseen mikromekaniikkaan. Ryhmässä tehdään sekä perustutkimusta että soveltavaa tutkimusta teollisuuden haasteisiin liittyen. Tutkimuksen painopisteenä on materiaalien mikromekaanisten ominaisuuksien tarkastelu laajoilla lämpötila- ja venymänopeusalueilla. Suoritamme mikromekaanisia kokeita materiaaleille elektronimikroskoopissa ja tutkimme muodonmuutoksen alarakennetta kehittyneillä elektronimikroskopiatekniikoilla.

Tehtävänkuvaus

Mikromekaniikka ja nanorakenteet -tutkimusryhmä etsii tutkijatohtoria materiaalitekniikan alalle tutkimaan monimetallisten karbidien mikromekaanisia ominaisuuksia kohotetuissa lämpötiloissa sekä korreloimaan mekaanisia ominaisuuksia muodonmuutosrakenteeseen elektronimikroskopiatekniikoiden avulla. 

Tehtävä on ensisijaisesti suunnattu hakijoille, joilla on laaja kokemus ja asiantuntemus mikromekaanisesta testauksesta, nanoindentoinnista, mikropilaripuristuksesta sekä elektronimikroskopiasta, erityisesti TEM-, EBSD- ja FIB-menetelmistä. Kokemus FIB-tekniikasta mikronäytteiden ja elektronisuihkua läpäisevien lamellien valmistuksessa, EBSD:stä, TKD:stä, TEM:stä ja/tai mikrokantileverien murtotestauksesta katsotaan eduksi.

Hakuohjeet

Lue tarkemmat hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä hakuilmoituksesta. 

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella englanniksi (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta).

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 08.03.2026 klo 23:59.

Lisätietoja tehtävästä antaa Tenure track -professori Gaurav Mohanty, gaurav.mohanty@tuni.fi

 https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/micromechanics-and-nanostructures

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys