Research Director

LUT University and Kempower are looking for a research director for the Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC). The EMRC represents a new form of industrial-academic cooperation, providing a platform for flexible, interdisciplinary activities.

Kempower and LUT University’s Electric Mobility Research Center EMRC will open on LUT University’s campus in Lahti, Finland, by the end of 2023. The new research center aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research on electric transportation and to develop education to meet the future needs of industry. The new research center continues Kempower’s commitment to being close to the student community and collaborating with educational institutions as well as LUT University’s research collaboration with leading industrial companies.

The position of research director is literally at the interface of academia and industry. As the director of EMRC, you will be employed by both Kempower (80%) and LUT University (20%) and will report to the EMRC Steering Committee composed of members from both parties. Administrational supervisors will be appointed from both organizations.

The role

In 2023, Kempower will open the new Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) with LUT University. The EMRC represents a new model of university cooperation with companies. The research center gives Kempower professionals access to the whole range of LUT Unviersities’ (LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences) expertise to advance science and education for the societal transition to electric transportation. The EMRC will fund and organize research and development projects and invite and encourage proposals from interdisciplinary groups at LUT and its stakeholders.

The research director is responsible for leading research and development activities related to the EMRC. The task requires active communications with different departments at LUT Universities (LUT & LAB) and at Kempower. The position is new and requires a proactive touch and eagerness to develop the concept and operative practices. You will collaborate closely with professors and other scientists, research directors, LUT’s chief growth officer, and relevant support functions. The position requires understanding both the technological and business sides of industry.

The work involves the following:

• Developing and implementing EMRC research strategy 
• Leading/overseeing and preparing research projects 
• Building and leading teams of researchers and stakeholders
• Acting as a member and executive secretary of the EMRC Steering Committee 
• Promoting EMRC research opportunities to LUT and LAB researchers for new initiatives stemming from various disciplines
• Following ethical research practices
• Keeping abreast of industry trends, new technologies and market dynamics
• Participating in conferences, workshops, and training programs

What we expect from you:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the technology industry
• Excellent knowledge of technology and university cooperation
• A doctoral degree OR equivalent-level research knowledge and understanding of the academic world and processes
• Curiosity to quickly develop in-depth knowledge of the state of the art in electric transportation solutions
• Proactive strategic and operational experience in a leadership capacity
• Knowledge of and experience in working with various stakeholders
• Strong skills in relationship and network building, communications and facilitation, as work will occur in cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams
• Professional English language skills

We are looking for a new colleague with good cooperation and communication skills. An aspiration to grow and develop the EMRC is a requirement. 

The position will be filled as soon as possible, and work can start immediately. The position is located in Lahti.

For further information, please contact Chief Growth Officer Petri Ajo, LUT University, +358504736668 or Chief Technology Officer Mikko Veikkolainen, Kempower Oy, +358 44 289 9338.

The closing date for applications is 1 October 2023 at 23:59, Finnish local time (UTC + 3 h). Please submit your application, CV and desired salary by filling out the online form. Applications and its annexes will be processed by both LUT University and Kempower.

LUT University

Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We’re one of the top universities in the world for climate action. lut.fi/en

Kempower

We at Kempower empower the EV evolution and create a cleaner and quieter environment for us all. We inspire our audiences to join the electric movement. Want to plug in and be the change? 

Whether it’s our perspective, the way we work together or the impact on the climate – we make it positive. We are people with a can-do attitude. We help each other and voice our opinions, independent of our job descriptions or titles. We come from over 20 nationalities all over the world and keep on looking for other continents as we go.  

The EV market is constantly evolving, and so are we. We are searching for learners, doers and problem solvers from many different backgrounds. We love learning, taking care of each other, and having fun with one another. 

The future is electric – get ready to join the current! This is just the beginning.

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.

Osaamisalue: Johtaminen & konsultointi