Doctoral Researcher, Chemical Engineering

At Aalto University, science and art meet engineering and business. We build a sustainable future by achieving breakthroughs in our key areas and their intersections. At the same time, we inspire the change-makers of the future and create solutions to the world's great challenges. Our university community includes 16,000 students, 446 professors, and 5,200 employees. Our campus is located in Otaniemi, Espoo. Diversity is part of who we are, and we work continuously to ensure the diversity and non-discrimination of our community. Therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Chemical Engineering research group of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy is seeking a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

For a dynamic trickle-bed reactor modeling project. The project is carried out in collaboration with Neste Oyj. The duration of the project is four years, during which you are expected to complete your doctoral dissertation.

Your role and goals

Trickle-bed reactors play a central role in many refining processes, both in traditional oil refining and in the processing of new bio-based raw materials. The operation of trickle-bed reactors has been studied from many aspects, such as fluid mechanics, chemical kinetics, and mass transfer. Despite this, there is both scientific and industrial need for the development of dynamic models for trickle-bed reactors. Your task is to develop these models based on literature in collaboration with industry. You are expected to:

• Critically collect and analyze relevant literature
• Construct and analyze predictive trickle-bed reactor models including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, mass and heat transfer, phase equilibrium, fluid mechanics, as well as process control and operation.
• Work in collaboration with other research group members and external project partners to achieve project goals
• Present research results at conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Your network and team

This position is located within the Chemical Engineering research group led by Professor Ville Alopaeus. The group is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy at the School of Chemical Engineering in Aalto University. Currently, the research group consists of approximately 15 researchers in various roles related to research and teaching.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a motivated and research-oriented individual with a curious mindset, good collaboration and communication skills, and a good understanding of mechanistic process modeling, phase equilibria, reaction engineering, mass and heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. You must hold a Master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field.

Applicants must meet the eligibility and selection criteria of the Aalto University Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering, see Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering | Aalto University .

What we offer

The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is approximately €3,140/month (gross), and the salary increases as research and studies progress. The employment contract includes Aalto University's occupational healthcare. The employment contract is initially for two years, during the first 6 months of which you will apply for doctoral study rights at the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. At the end of the first two-year period, the contract will be extended following a successful evaluation of the task. The extension contract depends on the evaluation results, the updated research plan, and available funding.

Please review the application criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/studying-at-aalto/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering . Pay special attention to the required English language proficiency. Doctoral studies at Aalto University last approximately four years.

We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. The primary workplace is the Otaniemi campus in Espoo. Life on the renewed campus is vibrant, characterized by wonderful architecture, peaceful nature, and many cafes, restaurants, and services, supported by excellent public transport connections.

Interested?

If you are excited about this position and want to join us, please submit the following materials in English and as PDFs through our recruitment system no later than 23:59 (EET) on 30.10.2026. (link below):

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• CV and any evidence of scientific work (publications, conference presentations)
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Other material, e.g., letters of recommendation.

Current employees of Aalto University should apply for the position using their own employee profile through the Workday system (internal jobs). Aalto students or visitors apply using a personal email address (not aalto.fi) via the external Open Jobs page.

For more information about the position, contact Professor Ville Alopaeus, ( etunimi.sukunimi@aalto.fi )

We will begin processing applications and interviews immediately, and the position will be filled as soon as possible once a suitable candidate is found, potentially even before the application period ends.

Do you want to meet your future colleagues? Watch these videos:

This is Aalto University! Aalto University – Towards a better world and Shaping a Sustainable Future .

Read more about working at Aalto University: https://www.aalto.fi/fi/toihin-aaltoon

Explore our campus virtually: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi