Project Researcher, Modeling of Building Secondary Heating Networks and Geothermal Systems (Energy Technology)

The University of Vaasa is an inspiring and international community where we work together for a sustainable and responsible future. We combine expertise in business and technology in a unique way, tackling current challenges with determination and collaboration. As part of the Nordic regions largest energy technology hub, we promote sustainable business, energy, and society. We educate future professionals who will create a fairer and more sustainable world.

We are offering a fixed term position of a Project Researcher (PhD student) starting on March 2026 or as soon as agreed and ending in December 2026. The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovations and Renewable Energy and Built Environment research group (Energy Technology discipline). The position is full-time. The project is expected to conclude by the end of this year. Location in Finland is mandatory.

Your role / tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled person to join the research team. The selected candidate will conduct research in the following areas:

Modeling of Secondary Heating Networks

Development of models for the buildings secondary heating networks, including domestic hot water, space heating, and ventilation heating systems. A key challenge is the accurate modeling of return water temperatures for space heating and ventilation networks, as their mass flow rates are variable.

Modeling of the Geothermal Heating System

Modeling of the geothermal heating system that supplies heat to the three secondary networks, with the local district heating network (primary network) providing supplementary heating. The system includes a ground source heat pump and three 300 m deep boreholes. Due to limited existing technical documentation, the candidate is expected to conduct on-site measurements to obtain sufficient data for accurate system modeling.

The successful candidate is expected to develop validated simulation models of the buildings secondary heating networks and geothermal heating system using TRNSYS and/or IDA ICE software.

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours.

https://www.univaasa.fi/en/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/

Desired Background

Strong academic or professional background in one or more of the following areas:

• Masters degree in Building, Energy Technology or Construction Technology. Candidates who are close to completing their MSc and demonstrate strong academic performance will also be considered.
• Modeling and control of building-level district heating substations
• Modeling and control of geothermal heating systems (ground source heat pumps and boreholes/ground wells)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience or strong interest in the following areas is highly desirable:

• TRNSYS and/or IDA ICE building simulation software for modelling building heating systems
• Machine learning techniques (e.g., artificial neural networks), particularly for modeling return water temperatures and heating demands in secondary heating networks
• MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling and control (optional but advantageous)

We are offering

We are strongly networked and responsible actors in research, education and public relations. As a work community, our team is diverse, international and encouraging. The cooperation and support of colleagues promotes well-being and inspires working.

The salary will be based on both the job requirement and the employees personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The monthly salary of a Project Researcher (PhD Student) is based on job demand levels 2-4 (€ 2281-2844). An additional personal salary component is included based on work performance.

https://www.univaasa.fi/fi/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/electrical_engineering_and_energy_technology/

How to apply

To apply for this position, please use our online application system (using the Leave an application button below). The application, including appendices, has to be submitted using our online application database no later than 31th March 2026.

The application should include the following annexes in English (See instructions concerning these annexes: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments):

• Curriculum vitae
• Additional attachment 1. Single-page cover letter describing your motivation for this topic of research
• Additional attachment 2. Transcript of study records in a PDF format
• Additional attachment 3. List of Publications

Applicants may be reviewed and interviewed while the application period is still open.

Further Information:

• Professor Xiaoshu Lu (Energy Technology)

• Tel. +358 29 449 8520

• email: xiaoshu.lu (a) uwasa.fi

• Inquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

• The employment is subject to probationary period.

The University of Vaasas 7,000 students and 650 employees enjoy Finlands most beautiful campus by the sea. Together, we form a thriving and diverse university community where everyone feels they belong. Working with us means meaningful tasks, flexible working arrangements, comprehensive occupational health services, and employee benefits that support well-being and recovery. Our campus offers modern workspaces and inspiring meeting areas for smooth collaboration. The international HR Excellence in Research award reflects our commitment to high-quality HR practices. Learn more about us: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions