Doctoral researcher on energy systems, life cycle sustainability, decision models, and investment pathways

Job Description

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by sparking the game changers of tomorrow and by creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13,000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other staff members working on our vibrant campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. We actively work to ensure our community's diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Engineering drives science and innovation in industrial and built environment technologies. We are committed to educating a new generation of experts who combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of sustainable development in shaping societies. Our research focuses on sustainable built environment, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technology, and design and implementation of technical systems. The strength of our school lies in close collaboration with stakeholders across research and education. About 45 doctoral candidates and 350 master's students graduate from the school every year. The school is home to 700 staff members, including 70 professors. To learn more, please visit eng.aalto.fi.

The Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at the Aalto University School of Engineering invites applications for

Doctoral researcher on energy systems, life cycle sustainability, decision models, and investment pathways

Aalto University Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering is a community of around 300 staff members - including 30 tenure track professors - assembled to research, teach, create, and develop solutions for society's needs. Key research areas include marine and arctic technology; energy technologies and systems; mechanical systems and mechatronics; and materials, manufacturing, and product development. We have strong links to industry, creating lasting impact in both business and society.

We are now looking for a doctoral researcher in energy systems, life cycle sustainability, decision models, and investment pathways. The successful candidate will contribute to research on offshore-wind and Hydrogen integrated large-scale power-to-X pathways, with a focus on industrial applications and cross-border energy supply chain aspects.

Your role and goals

The work may focus on one or more of the following themes.

• P2X technology assessment and scenario modelling
• Techno-economic evaluation
• Sustainability analysis and life cycle assessment
• Uncertainty-based investment pathway modelling
• Multi-criteria decision making approaches and optimization
• System dynamics modelling
• Energy system resilience and risk assessment

The research will heavily involve mathematical model development and the use of specialised software for impacts assessments, system dynamics, simulations etc. The researcher is also expected to carry out collaborative work with external stakeholders such as industry partners, depending on the project needs. Therefore, the work will also require ongoing stakeholder engagement and communication. The primary workplace is Aalto University's Otaniemi Campus. The work requires in-person presence on the campus, due to the need for specialised software.

The doctoral degree is granted after successfully completing a set of advanced taught courses (30 ECTS), writing a doctoral thesis (usually based on publications), and defending the thesis in a public examination. During the duration of the doctoral studies, the researcher will be expected to present publish in leading academic journals and high-level scientific conferences, actively participate in the research group activities, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, engage in teaching-related duties, and help to advise master's students during the preparation of their final project.

Your network and team

The doctoral researcher will be a part of the Energy Conversion and Systems research group in the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering. The supervisor will be Prof. Hirushie Karunathilake.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with strong analytical skills and a clear interest in energy systems, mathematical modelling, sustainability, and energy economics.

• Applicants should hold a master's degree with very good grades in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, or a closely related field.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, and strong mathematical skills are expected. Finnish knowledge is an added advantage.
• The successful applicant should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment and be willing to engage with both methodological and applied research questions. Strong interpersonal skills are also essential.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team is necessary.

Previous knowledge and experience in the following will be considered an added advantage.

• Mathematical model development
• Programming skills and experience with tools such as MATLAB or Python
• Life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Software related experience on system dynamics modelling, GIS, and energy simulations
• Research writing and publications

Applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto's Doctoral Programme in Engineering as specified at Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering | Aalto University.

What we offer

The preferred staring date for this position is in the Spring of 2026. The initial contract period is 2 years, evaluated by a compulsory midterm review during the second year, with the possibility of extension for the remaining period (a further 1-2 years) if satisfactory progress has been made.

The salary range, terms, and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary is approximately 2960 ???/month (gross), and it increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in their research and studies.

You will work in a community of students, researchers and other professionals, and will receive support in building a thriving academic career and to reach your professional goals. The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13,000 students and 4,500 employees. Life at the transformed campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the recently opened metro line.

Join us!

To apply, please share your application with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!") at the latest by 13 March 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please include the following attachments:

• Motivation letter with the applicant's contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)
• CV including details of all academic outputs and publications (if available)
• Contact information for two referees (with email addresses) who may be contacted to obtain a recommendation (max 2 pages)
• Summary of the applicant's master's dissertation (max 1 page)
• Copy of the applicant's master's degree certificate and transcript of studies (with a clear explanation of the grading scale). Students in the final year of their Master's programme are welcome to apply, but the expected graduation date must be clearly stated in the application. Candidates must have completed the master's degree before the PhD contract begins.

Content-related questions about the vacancy may be directed via email to Hirushie Karunathilake (PhD supervisor) using the email format [email protected].

University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.

Please note: Aalto University's employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).