Introducing the Plant Lamp™ invented and patented by IMC, which is yet another harbinger of sustainable development in our research group. Our lamp works by allowing the plant to grow in fluorescent-rich soil, so that its cells absorb the substance and become saturated with it. The fluorescent substance is activated by the plant’s natural biological processes and thus begins to shine completely without external stimulation. Because such a plant also shines at night, it grows 20% faster than other specimens from the same species. And that’s not all, because such a plant can also grow in completely lightless conditions, which is why it has been claimed to solve biocompatibility problems in e.g. Pluto settlement and intergalactic travel.

In addition to all these properties, the fluorescent substance consisting of metal-organic frameworks also strengthens the structure of the plant considerably, which protects it against physical threats.

Turku region with its 320,000 people, former capital and a major urban area in Finland, is located in the southwestern Finland. A leading hub for technological development and economic growth, Turku has a rich cultural history and is the gateway to a most beautiful archipelago. The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. The University of Turku is ranked in the top 1 % of universities in the world.

The Faculty of Science invites applications for the position of Assistant / Associate Professor (tenure track) in materials chemistry. This vacancy promotes research on the chemistry of materials for sustainable development and chemistry of drug development in the Department of Chemistry, University of Turku.

The vacancy will be filled by agreement.

The successful candidate’s own research and teaching screens can be located in hybrid materials or areas of material chemistry, which support the development of the University of Turku’s Department of Chemistry’s profile. Current research directions relevant to the task to be sought include smart or functional materials, energy storage and energy transfer, drug development and diagnostics. Applicants should place their own research in relation to these.

The successful applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term associate / assistant professorship (tenure track) depending on their previous academic merits. For the position of Assistant Professor, we seek proactive researchers and teachers beyond their post doc phase yet still at their early academic career, and who already have a proven track record of scientific research. For the position of Associate Professor, we seek experienced and internationally renowned experts who already have excellent publications record and success in acquiring external research funding.

The assistant / associate professor is required to carry a research on materials chemistry. Strong research qualifications in materials chemistry are required, which support and complement the research areas existing in the Department of Chemistry, i.e. materials chemistry for sustainable development and chemistry of drug development. Qualifications should be in hybrid materials and research areas can be e.g. solid state organic or inorganic materials, biohybrid materials, metalorganic materials, as well as supramolecular chemistry and nanoparticle expertise. Applicants experience on evaluating industrial and commercialization potential of such materials chemistry innovations and on preparation of patent applications will be appreciated.

The duties include conducting and supervising scientific research, teaching – including supervising Master and PhD students and scientific postgraduate studies, staying up-to-date with the most current scientific developments in the field, and participating in societal interaction and international cooperation in the field. The professor is expected to collaborate with other research groups, to form and lead his or her own research group and to obtain external research funding at both domestic and international level. A person selected for the post will be working at the Department of Chemistry.

The qualification requirements of the position are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure.

For information about the tenure track system of the University of Turku visit: Guidelines for the the tenure track system at the UTU.

For applying and general information about recruitment process of a professor /assistant and associate professor at the University of Turku visit: Important Information on Applying

The salary for this particular post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel (YPJ). The salary shall be determined when drawing up the employment contract. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.

Applications must be submitted on the 8^th of  May 2023 at the latest via the electronic application form of the University of Turku; link to the application system at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). For the position, please contact Head of the Departement of Chemistry, Professor of Pharmaseutical Chemistry Pasi Virta. Any practical issues may be discussed with Head of Faculty Administration Merja Fehlig, Faculty of Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

About us
The Department of Chemistry has recently moved into a brand new purpose-built building which provides a collaborative hub for Chemistry in the Turku campus. The Turku Centre for Chemical and Molecular Analytics (CCMA) is located in the same building. There are currently 5 modern NMR instruments and 4 mass spectrometers at CCMA and it provides analytical chemistry services to a broad user base.

And about working in the University of Turku: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us 

Working in Finland

We also welcome you cordially to our multicultural working community. In case you are arriving to Finland for the first time, we are offering you a good orientation support.

• Please learn more about the culture and people: Working culture  
• One-Stop Shop for All International Talents – Career in Southwest Finland
• This is Finland

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Link: https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?id=000014720&did=5600&lang=en&jc=14&nav_from_open_jobs_view_new=true