Apply for Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research at LUT University, Finland. Two PhD positions focus on hydrogen, electrolysis, AI and optimisation.

Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research at LUT University, Finland

LUT University in Finland is recruiting two doctoral researchers in green hydrogen research to work on renewable hydrogen production and energy-efficient alkaline water electrolysis. The positions are part of a Research Council of Finland-funded project within LUT’s internationally recognised hydrogen research activities.

The research focuses on improving the efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis systems powered by renewable electricity from solar and wind energy. The project brings together expertise in renewable energy systems, electrolysis, modelling, optimisation, artificial intelligence and fluid dynamics.

The positions are based in Lappeenranta, Finland, and are suitable for candidates with relevant Master’s degrees in engineering, physics, mathematics, energy technology and related fields.

Scholarship Overview

The doctoral researchers will complete an article-based doctoral dissertation in English, with the expected doctoral study period being four years.

About the Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research

The positions are part of LUT University’s hydrogen research programme, which has more than ten years of experience in renewable electricity-based green hydrogen production.

The research team studies water electrolyser systems from a multidisciplinary perspective and works with industry and universities in Finland and internationally.

The two doctoral positions focus on different aspects of alkaline water electrolysis.

Position 1: Modelling and AI-Assisted Optimisation

The first position focuses on developing and improving models of electrolysis systems and combining them with artificial intelligence-assisted optimisation.

The research may involve:

• Electrolysis system modelling
• Computer simulation
• Optimisation
• Data-driven methods
• Artificial intelligence
• Renewable-energy-powered hydrogen production
• System performance under changing solar and wind conditions

The goal is to improve the operation and efficiency of hydrogen production systems under variable renewable energy conditions.

Candidates interested in modelling, simulation, optimisation and AI applications in energy technologies are particularly relevant to this position.

Position 2: Fluid Dynamics and Optimisation

The second doctoral position focuses on the fluid dynamics of alkaline water electrolysis systems.

Research activities will involve applying fluid mechanics knowledge to improve the performance and energy efficiency of electrolysis technologies.

A strong foundation in fluid mechanics is expected, while previous experience with fluid-dynamics-based optimisation is considered an advantage.

Funding and Salary

The doctoral positions are salaried research positions.

The starting salary is approximately:

€3,100 per month

The exact salary depends on the candidate’s experience and qualifications and follows the Finnish university pay system for teaching and research staff at requirement level 2.

The position initially has a one-year contract, including a six-month trial period. Depending on research progress and doctoral studies, the appointment may be extended for up to three additional years.

The overall doctoral study period is expected to follow the normative four-year timeframe.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold a university Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the selected research topic.

Suitable academic backgrounds include:

• Electrical engineering
• Information technology
• Computer engineering
• Applied physics
• Applied mathematics
• Mechanical engineering
• Energy technology
• Fluid dynamics
• Related engineering or scientific disciplines

Requirements for Position 1

Applicants interested in modelling and AI-assisted optimisation should have:

• Strong analytical abilities
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Interest in modelling and simulation
• Interest in artificial intelligence
• Interest in applying AI to energy technologies

Experience with computational modelling or optimisation would be relevant to the research focus.

Requirements for Position 2

Applicants interested in fluid dynamics and optimisation should have:

• A strong foundation in fluid mechanics
• Interest in electrolysis technology
• Interest in optimisation of energy systems

Experience with fluid dynamics-based optimisation is considered an advantage.

General Requirements

For both positions, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Good written and spoken English skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to collaborate in an international research environment
• Motivation for scientific research
• Commitment to completing doctoral studies within the normative timeframe
• Interest in developing an academic career
• Commitment to continuous learning

Successful applicants must also apply to the LUT Doctoral School for the right to complete doctoral studies within the first two months of their appointment.

Eligible Countries

The supplied vacancy does not provide a specific list of eligible countries.

The positions are advertised internationally and applicants are expected to meet LUT University’s academic and doctoral-study requirements.

Eligible countries: Not specified.

International applicants should review LUT University’s official information for international staff and doctoral studies before applying.

Research Areas

The two Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research positions cover several interconnected areas of clean-energy research.

Green Hydrogen

The research contributes to renewable hydrogen production technologies intended to support future low-carbon energy systems.

Water Electrolysis

The project focuses specifically on alkaline water electrolysis, including ways to improve the energy efficiency and operation of electrolysis stacks.

Artificial Intelligence

Position 1 incorporates AI-assisted optimisation and data-driven methods into electrolysis system research.

Renewable Energy

The project considers electrolysis systems powered by variable renewable electricity from solar and wind energy.

Fluid Dynamics

Position 2 investigates the fluid-dynamic aspects of alkaline electrolysis and their relationship with system performance.

Modelling and Optimisation

Both positions involve optimisation, although the specific methodological focus differs between AI-assisted modelling and fluid dynamics.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit their application online and provide the required documents in English and PDF format.

The application should include:

1. Motivation letter – one page explaining relevant research skills and why the applicant is interested in and suitable for the position.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) – prepared according to the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript.
4. Master’s degree certificate and transcript.
5. Research statement – maximum four pages describing the proposed dissertation project, work in progress, publication plans and academic goals.
6. Previous publications, if available.
7. Teaching qualification certificates or teaching portfolio, if available.

Publications and teaching documents are optional.

Applicants should also indicate which of the two research topics interests them most.

If degree documents were originally issued in a language other than English, Finnish or Swedish, official certified translations are required.

English Language Requirements

Good written and spoken English skills are listed as an essential requirement.

However, the supplied vacancy does not specify an IELTS, TOEFL or other minimum English test score.

IELTS requirement: Not specified.

Applicants should therefore check the latest requirements of LUT University and its Doctoral School if they need formal proof of English proficiency.

Application Deadline

The application period is:

14 September 2026 to 12 October 2026

Deadline

12 October 2026 at 23:59 Finnish local time (UTC+3).

The vacancy also states that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and that the positions may be filled once suitable candidates are found.

For this reason, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the final deadline.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the LUT University online recruitment system.

Before submitting your application:

Step 1: Select your preferred research topic

Decide whether your background is more closely aligned with:

• Modelling and AI-assisted optimisation, or
• Fluid dynamics and optimisation.

The vacancy asks applicants to indicate which topic interests them most.

Step 2: Prepare your motivation letter

The motivation letter should be one page and explain:

• Your relevant research skills
• Your interest in green hydrogen
• Why you are interested in the selected research topic
• Why your academic background is suitable

Step 3: Prepare your CV

Prepare your academic CV according to the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity guidelines.

Step 4: Prepare academic documents

Upload copies of your original:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Bachelor’s transcript
• Master’s degree certificate
• Master’s transcript

Certified translations are required where applicable.

Step 5: Prepare your research statement

The research statement can be up to four pages and should cover:

• Proposed dissertation project
• Current work in progress
• Publication plans
• Academic goals

Step 6: Submit one complete application

The vacancy specifically asks applicants to submit only one application.

Applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system and contain the required documents to be considered.

Working Conditions and Research Environment

The successful researchers will join LUT University’s internationally recognised hydrogen research team.

The work is based in Lappeenranta, Finland.

LUT offers a hybrid working model that combines flexibility with regular on-campus work. Working hours are flexible, supporting work-life balance.

The position follows the Finnish collective agreement for universities and has 1,612 annual working hours.

The doctoral researchers will work alongside experienced researchers and industrial partners on technologies associated with renewable hydrogen production.

The research group has also contributed to the creation of spin-off companies including Solar Foods, Elstor and Neovolt.

Important Tips for Applicants

Applicants should tailor their application to one of the two research tracks rather than submitting a generic Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research application.

For AI and Modelling Applicants

Emphasise experience or academic projects involving:

• Mathematical modelling
• Simulation
• Optimisation
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Data analysis
• Energy systems
• Computational methods

For Fluid Dynamics Applicants

Highlight:

• Fluid mechanics
• Fluid dynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics, if applicable
• Mechanical or energy engineering
• Modelling
• System optimisation
• Electrochemical or energy-system research

The research statement is particularly important because it should demonstrate how your proposed doctoral research connects with the advertised project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many doctoral researchers is LUT University recruiting?

LUT University is recruiting two doctoral researchers for the green hydrogen research project.

What is the focus of the Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research project?

The project focuses on improving the energy efficiency of high-voltage alkaline water electrolysis stacks powered by solar and wind energy.

What are the two available research topics?

The two topics are:

1. Modelling and AI-assisted optimisation of electrolysis systems.
2. Fluid dynamics and optimisation of electrolysis systems.

What is the salary?

The starting salary is approximately €3,100 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

How long is the initial contract?

The position initially has a one-year term, including a six-month trial period. It may be extended by up to three additional years depending on progress.

Is this a four-year Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research?

The doctoral dissertation is expected to be completed within the normative four-year timeframe. The employment initially starts with a one-year contract and can potentially be extended.

Is IELTS required?

The vacancy states that good written and spoken English skills are essential but does not specify an IELTS score.

IELTS requirement: Not specified.

What Master’s degrees are accepted?

Relevant backgrounds include electrical engineering, information technology, computer engineering, applied physics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, energy technology, fluid dynamics and related disciplines.

What documents are required?

Applicants need a one-page motivation letter, CV, Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and transcripts, and a research statement of up to four pages. Publications and teaching documentation can also be submitted if available.

Can I apply for both research topics?

The vacancy specifically instructs applicants to submit only one application and indicate which of the two topics interests them most.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 12 October 2026 at 23:59 Finnish local time (UTC+3).

Where is the position located?

The positions are based at LUT University in Lappeenranta, Finland.

Conclusion

The Doctoral Researchers in Green Hydrogen Research positions at LUT University provide an opportunity to conduct doctoral research in renewable hydrogen production and alkaline water electrolysis.

The two research tracks offer different methodological directions: AI-assisted modelling and optimisation for one position and fluid dynamics and optimisation for the other. Applicants should choose the topic that most closely matches their academic preparation and research interests.

The application deadline is 12 October 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time, but applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the positions may be filled earlier. Applicants should therefore prepare their documents carefully and submit a complete application through LUT University’s online recruitment system.