Are you interested in materials research within the area of hydrogen economy and looking for a Doctoral Researcher opportunity in the field? Would you like to learn new topics and develop research methodologies with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? VTT might be just the place for you. 

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2200 brilliant minds is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra. 

We are now looking for Doctoral Researchers to join our Materials Performance teams in collaboration with Tampere University!  

As a Doctoral researcher at VTT, you are able to make an impact on our customers and society. Our researchers work closely together with industry, often in interdisciplinary research groups. VTT has excellent research infrastructure and internal services to support your research work. VTT has also started a Doctoral Programme to support goal-oriented PhD work within VTT’s strategic research choices.  

In these Doctoral Research positions, you will have an essential role in developing methodology, know-how and scientific competence in the multi-disciplinary area of hydrogen-metal interactions. Our team focuses on the materials' durability and performance in challenging environments. Materials and surface characterization, corrosion and electrochemistry research, failure and materials performance investigations, and mechanical tests for a wide range of industrial applications are part of our everyday work.  

This position is in collaboration between VTT and Tampere University, which means that the role would require applying for a doctoral position at Tampere University and conducting doctoral studies at Tampere University while working at VTT. 

  
Your responsibilities as Doctoral Researcher:  

• Perform PhD studies at Tampere University

• Advancing experimental and/or computational research activities in specified projects which enable safe and sustainable use of H2 in industrial applications, focussing on, e.g.,

• Hydrogen uptake and transfer in materials

• Hydrogen diffusion, material solutions and/or barrier coatings

• Hydrogen effects on materials, focussing on mechanical behaviour

• Hydrogen effects on materials, focussing on behaviour at elevated temperatures

• Participating actively in dissemination with journal publications and committing to the jointly-agreed time schedules

• Collaborating in research team and project group towards common goals

Who we are looking for: 

• You have recently gained a M.Sc. degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, materials physics, surface science, or a closely related field 

• You are highly motivated to work towards a PhD degree and develop your subject matter expertise

• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. Basic skills in Finnish are considered as an advantage

As a person, we hope that you are: 

• Hard working and ambitious person enthusiastic to learn new things

• Eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set goals

• Independent performer who values collaboration
    

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:  

• Science with an impact. At VTT, we seek to solve large societal challenges and drive a sustainable future through applied research and innovation. With us, you’ll get to work on research projects that make a concrete, positive impact in the world. Read more about our strategy, the path of exponential hope, and our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work. 

• Support for your doctoral research. We offer training in project management, scientific writing, communication, and commercialisation. You’ll have the opportunity collaborate with industry on projects, access our research infrastructure and internal support services and explore interdisciplinary research. At VTT, you’ll enjoy flexibility and independence in your work, with a blend of academic research and engaging customer projects for an exciting career path. 

• Open culture of innovation. We have 80 years of experience in science-based innovation, a strong international reputation and global networks. We work truly across disciplines, and house all the cutting-edge sciences from quantum computing to synthetic biology under one roof. At VTT, you’ll join a community of over 2200 multidisciplinary experts who foster a culture of trust, openness and sharing knowledge. Collaborating with amazing colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. 

• Nordic work–life balance. Working in Finland, the happiest country in the world, enables a great quality of life. At VTT, we make our people’s well-being a strategic priority. We offer 6 weeks paid vacation a year, and our benefits include extended occupational healthcare, and a range well-being services, such as exercise and culture benefits and hobby clubs. Read more about the benefits of living in Finland and VTT’s support for relocation. 
   

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds! 

Please send your CV and application via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by December 3rd, 2023. We will process applications as they come in and fill in the positions as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process. 

Interested and want to hear more? 

For further information, please contact 

• Research Team Leader: Janne Pakarinen, janne.pakarinen@vtt.fi, +358 50 441 2608 (Materials characterization and testing) 

• Tom Andersson, tom.andersson@vtt.fi, +358 40 776 5018 (Materials modelling) 

• Tomi Lindroos, tomi.lindroos@vtt.fi, +358 50 302 0227 (Powder metallurgy and alloy design). 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Employment type:  Fixed-term contract, the employment will be 100 % at VTT between January 2024 and 31.12.2025, and after that the employment will be 20 % at VTT and 80 % at Tampere University. 

Location: Kemistintie 3, Espoo or Visiokatu 4, Tampere

These positions will be in a project funded by European Union's NextGenerationEU instrument.