Doctoral Researcher Department of Civil Engineering

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.

Diversity is part of who we are, and 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.

Applications are invited for a research project to tackle the challenges in structural fire engineering of cold‑formed steel roof decking system with perforations. This project is one of work packages in a large EU research project.

The objective of the thesis is to understand the structural behaviour of perforated steel roof deck systems exposed to different fire scenarios.

The research methods include furnace fire tests, numerical simulations and analyses on the full‑scale perforated steel deck system. The expected results include modelling methods and design principles of perforated steel roof system.

The successful candidate will work in the project with university researchers and academics as well as industrial partners from different EU countries. The primary workplace is in Otaniemi campus of Aalto University, and the role requires regular on‑site presence.

We are seeking an open‑minded, self‑motivated researcher with rigorous approach to complex and interdisciplinary problem. Applicant is expected to have excellent academic merits and hold a master’s degree in structural engineering or mechanical engineering.

• Master-level knowledge of analysis and design methods on fire resistance of cold‑formed steel structures are essential. Knowledge of fire simulations as a plus.
• Skills of performing non‑linear numerical analyses using general‑purpose finite element analysis software particularly Abaqus are essential.
• Skills of delivering CAD drawings are essential. Experience on preparing and performing experimental tests as a plus.
• Excellent skills in academic writing and fluent verbal communication skills in English are essential. Finnish proficiency is considered as an advantage.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team is essential.

Applicants must fulfil the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering as specified Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering | Aalto University. Do note that the applicants are not expected to apply to the Aalto Doctoral Programme at this point – only the successful candidate will do this at the next application window.

The doctoral degree will be awarded upon successful completion of advanced doctoral coursework (30 ECTS), preparation of an article‑based doctoral dissertation, and a successful public defence of the thesis. During the doctoral studies, it is required for the candidate to publish articles in peer‑reviewed leading academic journals and high‑level international scientific conferences,…