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 5,000 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 is one of the six schools at Aalto University. The Department of Civil Engineering aims to build the sustainable structures of tomorrow through high-quality research, education and collaboration.

Research group

The CSH Laboratory at Aalto University, led by Professor S.H. Chu, focuses on advancing sustainable, intelligent, and resilient infrastructure (SIRI). The CSH Lab is now seeking a Doctoral Researcher in Cement and Concrete Science under the supervision of Prof. Chu (see here for more information). The research will focus on both fundamental and applied aspects of cementitious materials. The prospective doctoral researcher will be involved in defining a specific research topic within the field of cement and concrete.

Preferred research backgrounds include, but are not limited to, (i) sustainable cement production and concrete design, including the electrochemical and thermal production of Mg-based cement and its applications, (ii) resilient fiber-reinforced concrete design, and (iii) advanced functional concrete systems, such as concrete supercapacitors. Relevant expertise includes conventional workability and mechanical testing, cement chemistry, particle packing theory, electrochemistry, electrical testing, and hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques. Knowledge of physics-informed AI for engineering applications and modeling will be an advantage. Research related to concrete applications in cold regions and NDT will also be considered.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates with:

An excellent academic record, preferably an undergraduate GPA above 3.5, and a strong commitment to science and research in concrete.
Demonstrated ability to think independently, work efficiently, and communicate clearly in academic writing, supported by strong self-motivation.

Applicants will need to meet the university’s minimum requirements: (i) a relevant Master’s degree in civil engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field; and (ii) language requirements (e.g., IELTS > 6.5). See admission criteria for Aalto’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering as specified Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering | Aalto University .The working language of the research group is English.

The CSH Laboratory also welcomes applications for Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Visiting Researcher positions. If you are interested, please contact Professor Chu at shaohua.chu@aalto.fi with the subject line “CSH Lab application.”

Ready to apply?

To apply, please submit your application through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) at the latest by 20 May 2026 (23:59 (UTC+2)). Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please include the following four attachments in one single PDF document:

Cover letter (including personal statement and research plan – no page limits)
Full CV (including contact information for three references)
Transcripts from Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs
Writing samples (up to three published or unpublished dissertations or articles)

The selected candidate will apply for doctoral study rights in the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that this session is not part of the formal interview process. We also welcome visiting students and research assistants, or equivalent positions, who are interested in collaborating with the group.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

Potential applicants are welcome to contact the supervisor Prof. S.H. Chu to schedule an information session for further details. For more information regarding the open position, please contact Professor Chu at shaohua.chu@aalto.fi. For general and university policy questions, please contact our HR Partner, merja.parkkisenniemi@aalto.fi

What we offer

You will join a supportive laboratory that values curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, with strong opportunities for learning and career development.
Funded doctoral position at Aalto University, a world’s leading institution consistently ranked around the top 100 universities worldwide.
Preferred start in spring or summer 2026. The initial contract is 2 years, with possible extension by 1–2 years after a required midterm review in the second year, subject to satisfactory progress.
Earlier graduation would be possible with excellent academic performance.
The starting salary is approximately 3000 €/month (gross), with increases based on research progress.
Opportunity to work in an international research environment with leading academic and industrial partners across Europe and the world.

About Finland

Finland is a great place to live – safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report 2025. For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff.

More about Aalto

Aalto University is a leading university located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland. Established in 2010 through the merger of the Helsinki University of Technology (founded in 1849), the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Aalto integrates four key fields: business, arts and design, science, and engineering. Its Art & Design program ranks 8th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, while Architecture and the Built Environment ranks 49th globally. According to the ARWU Ranking of Subjects, Ocean Engineering ranks 22nd worldwide. Aalto University consistently ranks around top 100 universities worldwide.

Useful links:

Aalto.fi

youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity

linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/

www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity

instagram.com/aaltouniversity

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.

Please see more of our Open Positions here.

More about Aalto University:

Aalto.fi
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity
instagram.com/aaltouniversity

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.

Please see more of our Open Positions here.