University of Tsukuba

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, is seeking for a doctoral researcher in biochemistry / bioprocessing / food science for a fixed-term 2-year contract to work in the Business Finland Co-Innovation project entitled “Valorization of animal-based by-products into bioactive innovations (VALABio)”. The successful candidate will work in Professor Pekka Varmanen’s research group at the Department of Food and Nutrition. The position will start as soon as possible or as agreed and continue until 30 April 2028, with a possibility for extension. The VALABio project focuses on transforming low-value animal-based side streams from the dairy and meat industries into high-value bioactive compounds, including functional peptides and extracellular vesicle (EV)-based innovations for food, health, and diagnostic applications. We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral researcher with an MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, food sciences, food chemistry, or a related field. The doctoral researcher will contribute to research on the production and characterization of bioactive peptides from dairy and meat side streams, student supervision, and education in biochemistry and food sciences. The appointed researcher will work closely with academic and industrial consortium partners. A successful candidate should be able to: Identify, design, conduct, and report research on bioactive peptide production from dairy and meat side streams using enzymatic hydrolysis; bioactive peptide characterization via mass spectrometry based proteomics and peptidomics and functional bioactivity analyses; and encapsulation strategies for developing stable and functional peptide fractions. The work also includes participation in the development and optimization of scalable bioprocesses for producing these functional peptide fractions. Contribute to master’s student supervision and teaching activities in food technology, biochemistry, or bioprocessing. Engage with the scientific community, research partners, and the wider public at all levels, both nationally and internationally, through scientific publications, conferences, workshops, and social media (e.g., blogs). Contribute to proposal writing to secure additional research funding. The candidate is expected to have: Education, experience, and technical skills A master’s degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, food sciences, or a related field, with experience in protein or bioactive peptide production, enzymatic hydrolysis, and analytical characterization of biomolecules, including LC-MS/MS-based proteomics and peptidomics, or related mass spectrometry techniques and bioinformatics, as well as bioactive peptide functionality. Knowledge of encapsulation of bioactive compounds and methods for characterizing microencapsulated powders is considered an advantage. Fluency in English and excellent scientific writing skills. Personal attributes and competencies Excellent analytical and innovative research planning skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience or interest in working within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. High motivation for academic research, with initiative and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research combining food science, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Values continuous improvement based on constructive evaluation, self-reflection, and learning. A person appointed as a doctoral student is required to apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki within six months after starting the position. The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell What we offer The salary of the doctoral student will be based on level 2 of the demand level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting gross salary of the doctoral student will be approximately 2700–2900 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. A six-month trial period will be applied. The place of work is Viikki campus in Helsinki, Finland. How to apply The attachments required for the application include (preferably in a single PDF file): A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the research work and a short research plan (e.g., research approach, materials, and methods) (max. 3 pages). Curriculum vitae showing the applicant’s education, completed qualifications, work experience, possible list of publications, and contact information of two referees (max. 3 pages). Copies of Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and official transcripts of records, and their translations if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English. External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee Login button. The closing date for applications is 3 June 2026 (at 23:59 EEST). Further information Further information about the position and the project may be obtained from Docent Thao M. Ho (minh.ho@helsinki.fi), Prof. Pekka Varmanen (pekka.varmanen@helsinki.fi) or from industrial partner Dr. Mikko Immonen (mikko.immonen@valio.fi) If you need technical support with the recruitment system or additional information about the application process, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi About us The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in biosciences and business, able to meet the needs of both the business sector and society at large. https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry The Department of Food and Nutrition is one of the six units of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. We respond to sustainability challenges associated with the food system by investigating and developing raw materials used in food and production techniques on the road to an increasingly healthy and environmentally friendly diet. In our changing society, the need for research-based knowledge on food, diets and their health effects as well as the special needs of different consumer groups is growing. https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/food-and-nutrition A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers

ABOUT XJTLU In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has around 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses. With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from west and east. For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn. ABOUT ENTREPRENEUR COLLEGE (TAICANG) In 2019, the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) was launched, as a pioneers of, and an educational model for, the future university and campus in developing talents and leaders to meet local, national, and global challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Developed in collaboration with the Taicang Municipal Government and industry partners, the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) moved to the university’s newly opened award winning Taicang campus, within Greater Suzhou, in September 2022. As a result, there are opportunities at all levels for innovative academics in the fields represented by the following schools and education platforms. For detailed information about the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), please visit: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/entrepreneur-college-taicang/ ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ROBOTICS The School of Robotics is one of the seven industry-themed Schools in the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang). Each School consists of an Education, Research and Development Institute (ERDI) for teaching and research collaboration, a one-stop School Office providing professional services to support student administration and activities, members of staff, and industry partners, and an affiliated School Joint-Venture Company jointly established by XJTLU and the School’s partner for industry-embedded teaching, learning, practical, and other activities. The governance of the School is through a School Council. The Dean of School oversees the School Management Team as well as contributing to the leadership of the college. The School of Robotics is jointly developed by the University and an industry partner – Siasun, to deliver the industry-themed programme(s). The first degree programme that the School has launched for the Academic Year 2019/2020 is BEng Intelligent Robotics Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurship.  Industry Partner Overview Siasun is the international headquarter of Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. It is committed to creating a leading-edge international, innovative and platform-based for the industry of robots. The main businesses of Saisun include intelligent robots, intelligent manufacturing, and industry incubating. For more information please see www.siasun-in.com/.  PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The School of Robotics is adopting a new higher education model based upon the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE). SE is a new model developed by the University to address an increasingly networked and complex future of work in the 4th Industrial Revolution. The model is core to the University’s strategy for its next ten-year development focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. SE aims to train syntegrative leaders with Management skills, International perspective, Discipline-specific knowledge, and adaptability in Industry (MIDI). The position will attract individuals embodying these SE values and are passionate in engaging in a future-focused co-learning ecosystem comprising students, academics, practitioners, university, industry, and community. The School seeks academic members who thrive by creating impact through authentic engagement, cross-boundary collaboration, collective learning and discovery, and action-oriented inquiries. These creative educators adopt a systems mindset and use their knowledge, skills, and experiences to co-design and deliver an enriching educational experience for students. They view education as an integrative and life-long transformative process. RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for future colleagues who can: Understand and have an entrepreneur and innovative mindset, in line with the ethos of the College. Deliver high-quality teaching to undergraduate and graduate students, as evidenced by peers, students and external examiners. Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students. Provide administrative service to the School, the University and its stakeholders. Maintain a sustained record of successful PhD supervision. Work collaboratively with relevant School(s), College and University entities to identify opportunities for meaningful and genuine partnership and successful impact-creation for research. Conduct high-quality industry-enhanced research and consultancy contracts, evidenced by contribution that output makes to industry, the economy, society, environment or culture, beyond the contribution to academic research. Maintain good, sustained, and successful research grants with impact measured by publications in leading journals and other research outputs. Create, develop and manage successful research partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and other external organisations. Support innovative cross-disciplinary research in line with the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) research themes, and become an ambassador for the School for the promotion of cross-boundary research and teaching activities. Engage actively with new educational models and embrace innovative, interactive, technology-enhanced learning, teaching, and assessment approaches; understand and have an entrepreneur and innovative mindset in line with College ethos. Contribute to the school’s teaching development through mentoring and supporting early career academics (Associate Professor and above). Undertake any other appropriate tasks assigned by the Entrepreneur College or University through the Dean of School or College Senior Management Team. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCES A doctoral research (normally PhD) degree in electrical and electronics, mechatronics, intelligent controls, robotics engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, computer vision, mobile robotics, machine learning, data science and analytics, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent professional practice and engagement. Previous experience in coding (C/C++, Python, ROS etc) in robotics-related domains. Self-motivated for innovative teaching. Clear understanding of the philosophy and concept of Syntegrative Education (SE). Demonstrable past teaching/industry experiences or practices aligned with Syntegrative Education (SE). A commitment to Continual Professional Development in all areas of the role as an academic at the university. Ability to work, teach and research in English Strong team-work spirit. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE A good track record of engagement with business and industry. University-level teaching experience. Relevant industry experience. Appropriate research experience, including working with industry, for the corresponding academic position level. Experience in intensive teaching and problem-based learning, and a willingness to be innovative in teaching practices. An institutional builder, able to work with wider disciplines across the college. CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China. CAREER DEVELOPMENT Clear career development path with annual review. Professional development trainings are provided. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS SALARY: Competitive salary in the market BENEFITS Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as  Housing allowance Travel allowance Relocation allowance Etc. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy) Paid holidays: Statutory Holidays (13 days) Annual Leave (34 days per academic year including university close days and annual leave) Family Matters Leave Paid Sick Leave Marriage Leave Paternity Leave Parental Leave Etc. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff. HOW TO APPLY Please submit your application on our university website. Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of: A cover letter A current CV, including date of birth, country of citizenship, and highest degree level Contact Details for Three References For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email to HRBP on yu.yan@xjtlu.edu.cn.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.  Job Purpose The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver on an academic research project funded by BCA. The project is in collaboration with IHL and an industry partner. where you will be part of the research team to develop and demonstrate Building-to-Grid Integration through Intelligent Optimization and Predictive Control at SIT’s Punggol campus. Under this job title, you will be required to establish a test bed in SIT’s Punggol campus building, benchmarking of current building energy performances, deployment of new sensors & hardware, and quantitative evaluation of energy savings. You will be required to coordinate with multiple internal and external parties for the successful deployment of technology, test-bedding, and energy performance evaluation. Key Responsibilities Participate in and manage the research project with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met. Candidate will be required to establish test bed in SIT’s Punggol campus building, benchmarking of current building energy performances, deployment of new sensors, hardware, quantitative evaluation of energy savings, etc. Meeting the deliverables by deployment, demonstration, and experimental studies planned for under the scope of work of the projects within the timeframe to meet the deliverables. Coordination with project internal and external team members, vendors, contractors, safety officers, for successful deployment of technology and testing. Assists in the co-supervision of final year projects (FYP) or capstone projects students under the Project PI. Assists the PI in drafting project reports, conference proceedings, and journal articles based on the outcome of the projects. Prepares and shares a fortnightly report of results from the computations with the PI. Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety, and Health Regulations. Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment. Job Requirements PhD degree in electrical/civil/mechanical engineering or other related fields Expert knowledge of building air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation, simulation, building automation and control, sensor network, thermal energy storage, indoor air quality, heat transfer, and building energy performance evaluation.  Experience of test bed setup development, testing & commissioning, and performance analysis. Knowledge of industrial protocols, sensors, and control hardware. Knowledge of building management systems, software integration, data collection, and analysis. Industry or research lab experience is required. Strong analytical and conceptual abilities. Ability to work in a team as well as independently. Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Key Competencies  Able to build and maintain strong working relationships with people within and external to the university. Able to work independently with strong data analytical skills, communication and interpersonal skills. Self-directed learner who believes in continuous learning and development Proficient in technical writing and presentation Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills Show strong initiative and take ownership of work