"Professor, Control and Automation of Chemical Processes"

The Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering is looking for a PROFESSOR, CONTROL AND AUTOMATION OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES. Are you passionate about the world of process control and multiple technologies that will contribute to the next generation control and automation solutions?

The Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University invites applications for tenure-track positions in the field of Control and automation of chemical processes. The position can be filled at any level of the Aalto tenure track system (assistant, associate or full professor). The position is full-time and depending on the positioning on the tenure track, either on fixed or permanent term.

Job description

We are looking for outstanding candidates with track record in the area of process control and automation, including ability to teach at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels and conduct successful research projects as part of doctoral education and ability to acquire funding for research. We strongly welcome an industrial mindset to support the Finnish industry in transitioning into future sustainable processes. Viewing control as an integrative part of automation systems is elementary and opens multiple collaboration opportunities within the department, university and through industrial partnerships. Chemical processes should be familiar to you in order to be able to do systems identification and model process dynamics using traditional and advanced tools such as machine learning.

Your role and goals

You will work in collaboration with other researchers (e.g. in design, operations and process development) creating the interface between industrial processes (e.g. chemical, metallurgical, pulp & paper, biotechnical) and dynamic process models. Having enthusiasm in control and a good balance between theory and practice is essential. Good programming skills also support the development of digital twins, soft sensors, ML-supported control systems and other elements of future automation. Aalto has many cutting-edge capabilities for instance in metallurgical processes, material design, as well as a very strong representation in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence research with the access to LUMI, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. These will help to define and build the future elements for more safe and sustainable automated chemical plants.

Your network and team

As a professor, you are expected to build up your own research team (e.g. doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers) and use existing and future collaboration networks inside and outside the university for creating world-class research.

Your experience and ambitions

A Doctoral degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering, industrial engineering, applied mathematics or another field linked to chemical engineering problems, is a prerequisite for the position. We are looking for a publication track record in the development and application of process control methods related to industrial chemical processes. We expect you to establish a high-level research group in process control, process identification and modeling, data analytics and automated decision-making. We value your commitment to high-level teaching as the position includes teaching and supervision at the Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. We are looking for candidates who can teach in English, but knowledge or interest to learn Finnish, or Swedish can be an asset. Proven ability to obtain external funding, experience of researcher supervision, and industrial collaborations are considered as merits.

What we offer

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant community of researchers and contribute to the department's strong reputation for excellence in chemical and metallurgical engineering research and education. At Aalto University you have the possibility to work within a well-resourced learning community where the students are rigorously selected and highly motivated. This results in an unusually interactive and intellectually challenging atmosphere. We offer excellent multidisciplinary collaboration within the university, a meaningful and inspiring environment, and a culture that inspires and includes everyone. Aalto University provides its employees with occupational health care services and retirement benefits. Finland is a healthy and safe living environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services including affordable day care, free schools and universities. We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo.

Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent staff training and mentoring programmes, as well as occupational health care services, commuter ticket benefits, campus sport facilities and retirement benefits. In addition, we offer Start-up funding and grant writing support to help you establish your own team.

For more information

For additional information, please contact the chair of the departmental committee Professor Iiro Harjunkoski, or in questions related to the recruitment, please contact HR Partner Alice Björklund.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system by August 31st, 2025. To apply, please share the following application materials with us in English and in PDF: Application letter, Curriculum Vitae (using the template recommended by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity), List of publications (with 10 most relevant publications highlighted), A research statement describing your past research and plans for future research and activities, Teaching portfolio (see University’s instructions).

The applicants will be reviewed based on their research achievements in relation to their career stage, their teaching merits and activity in the scientific community. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a site visit at Aalto. General instructions for applicants including evaluation criteria, language requirements and guidelines for compiling your CV are given at https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track/interested-in-joining-our-tenure-track.