Laboratory Manager

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by sparking the game changers of tomorrow and by creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13,000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other staff members working on our vibrant campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. 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.

Laboratory Manager, Department of Civil Engineering

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager for demanding expert duties at the Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University. In this role, you will work closely with research group professors and provide consultation to facility and infrastructure users, as well as other stakeholders. During a transition period, the position will primarily be an expert role without line management responsibilities; the duration of this period will depend on the candidate’s competencies and the progress of onboarding. You will work alongside the current long‑tenured role holder for a transition period to ensure transfer of silent knowledge. Following the transition, managerial responsibilities will be assigned based on the candidate’s background and experience, including leading laboratory staff and planning and organizing work.

You will contribute in research projects related to the construction, maintenance, and development of buildings and infrastructure. The work focuses on experimental research: planning and conducting tests, experiments, and measurements, as well as developing methods and equipment. The tasks also include analysing and reporting test results. In addition, you will support experimental teaching activities, such as laboratory exercises, demonstrations, and the planning and execution of student projects. The position offers excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary development. All this creates opportunities for cross-disciplinary growth.

In the short term, the goal is to master the operation, maintenance, and calibration of the department’s key testing, loading, and measurement equipment. In the longer term, the goal is to contribute to the development of experimental activities in civil engineering and the capabilities that support them.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure reliability of measurements, analyses and research services
• In collaboration with colleagues, procure laboratory equipment; develop and maintain research tools and methods
• A key element of the role is supervisory responsibility for laboratory personnel, as well as responsibility for planning and organizing work. The commencement of these responsibilities will depend on the successful candidate’s background.

Requirements

• Strong expertise and extensive experience in construction materials and civil engineering (essential)
• Master’s degree (e.g., in civil engineering); a relevant doctorate is an advantage
• Deep, up-to-date theoretical knowledge and solid hands-on experience in research and in measurements/analyses related to construction materials
• Broad knowledge of electrical and measurement engineering; good IT skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• Service-minded, excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills; readiness for supervisory duties and work-related travel as needed
• Valid category B (or higher) driving licence
• Fluent professional English (spoken and written); Finnish is an advantage

To succeed, you will need

• Motivation to develop yourself and broaden your expertise
• Knowledge of key construction materials and structures
• Familiarity with construction tools and machinery
• Broad technical general knowledge and experience
• Ability to work in a multicultural organization
• Readiness for physical laboratory work comparable to construction tasks; normal physical fitness, vision and hearing required

Considered an advantage

• Proven experience in experimental research and team leadership in a university environment
• Practical knowledge and hands-on experience with wood- and metalworking machines
• Experience with building automation
• Competence in mechanical engineering, hydraulics or pneumatics
• Relevant safety certifications (e.g., occupational safety, hot work)

Work environment

Our scope spans from material microstructure and indoor air studies to large infrastructure projects, using diverse techniques and materials. We are an international university; working in English in a multicultural community and with young adults is part of everyday life.

What we offer

We offer an engaging role in an inspiring environment. At Aalto, you will work among students, researchers and professionals advancing societally significant goals in science and education. Following a transition period dependent on the candidate’s background and onboarding, the successful candidate will lead the department’s technical support team. The team currently comprises eight staff members. We encourage and provide opportunities for continuous professional development.

The work is on-site with flexible hours under Aalto’s personnel system. The workplace is at the renewed and vibrant Otaniemi campus with excellent services and public transport connections (metro and major routes).

Employment terms Salary follows the Finnish university salary system applied at Aalto University and depends on qualifications, skills and experience. A six-month trial period applies.

Application

Please submit your application online latest on 10th of April 2026 at 23:59 EET (UTC+2) via the link below. Attach your CV and a cover letter. If you are already employed by Aalto University, please apply via your employee profile in Workday: Workday -> Find Jobs.

In addition to your education and work experience, you may include in your application (or CV) information about any hobbies through which you have gained skills relevant to the position.

Start date

By agreement, but no later than August 2026.

Further information

For questions about the position, please contact Technology Manager Panu Sainio, tel. 050 567 8396, panu.sainio@aalto.fi. For questions about the application process, please contact HR Partner Merja Parkkisenniemi, merja.parkkisenniemi@aalto.fi.

Aalto University reserves the right, for justified reasons, not to fill the position, to extend the application period, and to consider candidates who have not applied within the application period.

More information about the Department of Civil Engineering is available here.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos:

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Aalto University – Towards a better world
and Shaping a Sustainable Future.

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