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Doctoral Researcher, Steel Structures

Updated: Mar 3, 2023


DSII at Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher for a four-year company-sponsored dissertation project, under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. The sponsoring company for this position is SSAB Europe, a steel producer focusing on high-strength and special steels.



Job description As the Doctoral Researcher you have a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks. The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of steel structures and steel construction. The goals are to:

Describe the behavior of welded hollow section joints under various loading conditions until failure using computational methods (nonlinear finite element modelling).

  • Implement welded hollow section joints to the framework of Direct Design Method for steel structures, developed at Tampere University

  • Extend the scope of the research on Direct Design Method for high-strength steel tubular structures for a broader range of applications

As a Doctoral Researcher you are responsible for executing and successfully completing the goals of the project. This entails advanced simulations, analytical description of joints in steel structures, parametric studies and reliability analyses. The project offers a great opportunity to be in the forefront of international research in the area of system-level design and advanced analysis of high-strength steel tubular structures.


The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Assistant Professor Kristo Mela. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives. The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers will also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group is Metal and Lightweight Structures, and our research focuses on steel and timber structures as well as structural fire safety (https://research.tuni.fi/metke/).


The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) offers companies a new avenue for improving their competitive position and renewing their business. DSII builds bridges between academia and industry and provides your company with access to the latest research knowledge and the opportunity to address research questions that are essential for developing your business. DSII represents a unique combination of dissertation research,


real-world business challenges, professional networks and innovations. Our doctoral graduates have the expertise to engage in agile and customer-driven research, development and business activities.


Requirements You need to have an applicable master’s degree in structural or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering, and have demonstrated competence and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies. Before starting in the position, you must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere university, unless you already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements. You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. In order to successfully complete the project, knowledge on nonlinear finite element method, stability of structures, theory of plasticity, and reliability theory are required. Additionally, knowledge on the design and modelling of welded hollow section joints is needed. Also, good written and oral English language skills are required. Ambition, scientific quality and innovativeness of the preliminary research plan is appreciated. Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.


We offer The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, starting in January 2023 or as soon as possible based on a mutually agreed start date. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale.


A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2500 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business.

Tampere University offers many benefits to its employees, e.g., occupational health services, flexible working hours, high-quality sport services and affordable lunch opportunities on campus. Please read more about Working at Tampere Universities. You can also find more information about us and working and living in Tampere by watching Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.

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 of 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 centre 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 refreshment 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 through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 19.12.2022 (at 23:59 EET / UTC +2). Applications and all accompanying documentation must be in English and in PDF format. Please attach the following documents to your application:

  • Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines, including the contact details of two referees)

  • A letter of motivation and description of your research interestes (max. 1 page)

  • Condensed preliminary research plan (max. 2 pages). The plan must be signed by both the applicant and the responsible supervisor.

  • Copy of your MSc and BSc degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records and their English translations (Finnish certificates are accepted) and Diploma Supplement.


For further information, please contact: Assistant Professor Kristo Mela; kristo.mela@tuni.fi






Originally posted: https://tuni.rekrytointi.com/paikat/?o=A_RJ&jgid=1&jid=1695

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