Are you interested in advancing research on the sustainability of technical raw material utilisation? This position offers the opportunity to conduct research on the availability, sufficiency, and sustainability of technical raw materials and their role in the energy and sustainability transition. You will be part of an international academic community and work in close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.
The professorship is situated at the assistant or associate professor level of the tenure track, and it is in the Department of Sustainability Science at the LUT School of Energy Systems. The position is based in Lappeenranta, Finland.
The Department of Sustainability Science includes expertise in life cycle management, waste management systems, environmental management and economics, circular economy, new socio-ecological models, sustainability of energy systems, and assessment of biodiversity impacts. The research group headed by the professor will work in close cooperation with the department’s other professors.
What we expect from you
The professorship will strengthen research and education on the sustainability of technical raw material utilisation. The position responds to the increasing need to understand the availability and sustainability of technical raw materials, particularly those connected to the energy transition, electrification, digitalisation, and the development of artificial intelligence. The professorship complements the department’s expertise through the use of modelling and computational methods to assess the availability and sustainability of technical raw materials, including their extraction and utilisation.
Candidates must present strong research merits in the field of sustainability of technical raw material utilization and must have proven expertise in at least two of the following fields:
- assessment of the global and local sufficiency and availability of technical raw materials, especially raw materials related to sustainability and the energy transition
- assessment of the sustainability of technical raw material utilisation based on strong knowledge of life cycle assessment (LCA) or other applicable methodologies
- risk analysis of raw material availability related to geopolitical factors
Candidates should present proof of successful project work, funding acquisition, and research collaboration with research institutions and relevant industry. Experience in leading a research group or organization is an advance. Spoken and written fluency in English is required.
The appointment process description explains the qualification requirements, duties, and tenure track appointment criteria.
What we offer you
We are looking for a candidate who is motivated to advance research on the sustainability of technical raw material utilisation. You will join the Department of Sustainability Science and work in a multidisciplinary academic environment.
The position is situated at the assistant or associate professor level of the tenure track system and will be filled through an open application process for a fixed term of four years. The tenure track offers researchers a possibility to advance to a full professorship. A six-month trial period applies.
The salary is determined according to the salary system for university teaching and research personnel. The pay will include an individual pay component based on performance and competence. The gross annual salary for an associate professor is approximately 68,000 euros, and that of an assistant professor, ranges from 50,500 to 59,000 euros, depending on qualifications and experience.
In addition to a competitive salary, the job comes with a wide range of benefits, including a holiday bonus, a generous holiday entitlement, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial work environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
Take the next step in your academic career and apply now; we welcome you to the Land of the Curious!
Interested? Please submit your application by 14 December at 12:00 noon (UTC +2).
Submit your application and all required attachments by filling out the online form. All application documents must be in English and in PDF format.
The application must include the following:
- a curriculum vitae (max. 10 pages)
- a copy of your doctoral diploma (no other diplomas)
- a full list of publications, including the total number of publications in the Scopus database, the total number of citations, the h-index and Scopus ID, and equivalent information from your Google Scholar profile
- a separate list of the publications you are submitting for expert evaluation (max. 10)
- the 10 publications mentioned above attached as separate files
- a teaching portfolio or an equivalent account of your teaching qualifications, presenting courses taught by you, related feedback, your pedagogical training and teaching philosophy, and courses that you can or prefer to teach
- an account of your merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 3 pages)
- an account of your vision on the development of education, research, and projects in the field of this professorship at LUT University (max. 3 pages)
Please specify the tenure track level to which you are applying. Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for uploading all attachments. Also, make sure you submit only one application.
For further information about the position, please contact Mika Horttanainen, professor and head of department, either by phone (+358 40 848 5850) or email ([email protected]), or Risto Soukka, professor, either by phone (+358 40 072 3094) or email ([email protected]).
Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.
Read more about the Department of Sustainability Science.
Information for international staff
LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en
Technical support for using the recruitment system: [email protected].
Apply between 12 November 2026 and 14 December 2026 12:00 (Europe/Helsinki)