Assistant/Associate Professor in Building Services Engineering

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 Civil Engineering at the Aalto University School of Engineering invites applications for

Assistant/Associate Professor position in Building Services Engineering (tenure track)

The call is primarily targeted to individuals seeking junior positions at the Aalto University tenure track system. Appointment at the level of Associate Professor may also be considered. More information about the tenure track career path here.

We are looking for talented candidates for a full-time Assistant / Associate Professor position to work in a vibrant community of students, researchers and experts and to interact with industry.

The importance of building services engineering has increased, for example, due to tighter European energy legislation, as we aim to achieve zero-emission buildings and increase the energy flexibility of buildings. In the post-pandemic period, we have also learnt that high-performing ventilation is critical to mitigate infection risk. Efficient heat recovery, demand-based ventilation, renewable energy integration, and smart controls are critical factors in future new and deep renovated buildings.

Building Services Engineering is a critical part of the Performance research group and can collaborate with most of the other professors in the group, for example indoor air, fire safety and construction management research. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in data‑driven healthy and smart buildings and aligns with the existing research interests of our group while also opening up new areas of expertise. The candidates should be prepared to advance the field with an ambitious research agenda.

Relevant areas of research include, but are not limited to topics such as:

• Design and optimization of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems
• Methods to reach zero-emission targets and enhance energy resilience
• Methods for guaranteeing high-quality indoor climate conditions in energy efficient manner
• Utilization of data analytics for efficient operation and cost- optimal maintenance of building technical services
• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to fulfill the demands of building occupants in a cost-optimal manner
• Utilization of digital twins in optimal control
• Advancing prefabrication of building services systems
• Design automation of building services systems

Success in the position requires strong skills in interacting with the Finnish industry, which has a history of supporting research through industry funding. The professorship includes teaching and course coordination responsibilities for the master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions, where the candidate coordinates the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment Major and is a responsible teacher for courses related to indoor climate and HVAC systems. The candidate should also be prepared to collaborate with research groups of the department (e.g., Performance research group), the School of Engineering, and other Finnish research institutions.

Your role and experience

All the professors at Aalto University are expected to perform high quality research and teaching, and to supervise students on doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels. We also expect professors to be proactive members of the Aalto and international scientific community, and to exhibit leadership and services for the society. In this professorship, cooperation with national stakeholders is important.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has completed a doctoral degree relevant for the position
• Has conducted high quality, impactful research in the field of data-driven, healthy and smart buildings, with track record for publishing in top-tier academic journals. Research must be connected to building services engineering.
• Has potential or proven capability to carry out research and attract both industry and competitive research funding
• Has potential or proven capability to collaborate with industry partners and external stakeholders
• Has potential or proven capability to contribute to curriculum development and take responsibility for education and researcher training in the field
• Has ability to be an effective teacher in the graduate degree program of Civil Engineering
• Has fluent command in English, which is the main language of teaching and research at Aalto. Knowledge of the Finnish language, industry and culture is seen as an advantage.

Your merits will be appraised based on your research, teaching and academic leadership, and activity in scientific community and society.

Candidates for assistant positions will be evaluated based on their potential. For associate level, the emphasis is on merits. Experience in acquiring funding for research projects, preferably also academic competitive funding, multidisciplinary research approach, and co-operation with building sector and research organizations are advantages for assistant level and required for associate level tenured positions. More information about the Aalto tenure track evaluation criteria.

What we offer

• Research-oriented environment: We have excellent research infrastructure and high-quality laboratories
• Well-resourced learning community: Opportunity to work within a well-resourced learning community, characterized by rigorously selected and highly motivated students.
• Tenure Track position: A tenure track position with promotions based on merits, offering a clear and rewarding career pathway
• Versatile support for your work: Support in applying for external research funding as well as excellent staff trainings and mentoring programs
• Comprehensive benefits package: Includes e.g. free access to health care and campus sport services
• Friendly and diverse community, which genuinely respects diversity and equality
• Excellent collaboration possibilities: Opportunities for excellent collaborations within the university, fostering a rich academic network

Finland is one of the world's most reliable, stable and safe countries and consistently occupies top position in the annual World Happiness Report. Finland offers a safe and healthy environment for living, with excellent state-subsidized services including affordable day care, healthcare, and free schools that are ranked among the best in the world. With significant investments in R&D, a strong innovation culture, open data, and advanced digitalization, Finland is a nation of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Nordic values of equality and cooperation are deeply rooted in our society. Gender equality, flexibility, and low hierarchy form the core of the Nordic working environment.

For applicants selected for tenure track positions, the university provides relocation support. Aalto University encourages flexible working hours to allow a healthy balance between work and free time. For all new staff members and their families, Aalto University provides dedicated introductory social and cultural events throughout the year.

The entry salary will be defined according to Aalto University's salary system, taking account of the applicant's experience and qualifications. A start-up package can be negotiated with the Dean.

More information about living and working in Finland

Take a virtual tour of our campus

Contact details

For additional information, please contact Professor Olli Seppänen at the Department of Civil Engineering, tel. +358 50 368 0412. In recruitment process related questions, please contact HR Partner Merja Parkkisenniemi tel. +358 50 593 7712. Email addresses: [email protected].

Ready to apply?

The application material for the position includes:

• Cover letter including a summary of merits, most important achievements and motivation for this position and Aalto University (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae, covering the major headings recommended by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity at Template for researcher's curriculum vitae | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK. Please include a unique researcher ID in your CV. (e.g. ORCID)
• List of publications, in which the three most significant publications are highlighted and your role in them described
• Research portfolio, see instructions from policies and procedures document, page 25
• Teaching Portfolio - prepared according to Aalto University guidelines Aalto University guidelines.

All material should be submitted in English and in pdf-format. The application materials will not be returned. Please submit your application online through Aalto University's electronic recruitment system by using the "Apply now" link no later than August 16th, 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time (GMT +2). Current Aalto-employees should apply through the internal system Workday by using their existing user accounts.

For general instructions and evaluation criteria, including language requirements and guidelines for compiling a CV, please visit Tenure Track.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open and to extend the application period.