Are you all about science and technology? Would you like to work in a meaningful role with real responsibility and excellent learning opportunities? Do you want to work with superb colleagues who are experts in their field to drive a sustainable future and tackle the greatest challenges of our time? 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 2000 brilliant minds is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. 

We are now looking for a Master thesis worker to join our Materials processing and circular solutions team. Join us - and let’s make an impact together! 

As a Master thesis worker, you’ll contribute to the development of sustainable and circular plastic food packaging together with an extensive network of plastics food packaging value chain actors. The goal of the work is to create an overarching analysis of recycling of plastic food packaging and of the produced recyclate. You’ll have an essential role in planning and executing stakeholder engagement activities, data analysis, and reporting the results. You’ll be part of an exciting EU- STOPP project in collaboration with 14 other partner organizations. 

Our team Materials processing and circular solutions works on the development of mechanical recycling of plastics, especially regarding the upgrading, valorization and safety of the feedstock and recyclate, as well as contributes towards circular solutions across the whole plastics value chain.

Your responsibilities as Master´s thesis worker: 

• Conduct a state-of-the-art analysis of the available materials and technical aspects related to plastics food packaging as well as review driving EU-wide strategies and priorities in relevant EU-level legislation. 

• Study the good practices and ecodesign of recycling of plastic food packaging, food contact recyclates and using the recyclates in new products. 

• Plan and execute stakeholder engagement activities in the form of interviews to identify challenges, gaps and inhibitors. 

• Present and report your findings to your colleagues. 

Who we are looking for: 

• A highly motivated student with relevant background in material science and engineering, polymer technology, environmental science or similar field. 

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. 

• Enthusiastic and proactive person. 

• Fluent in English with good reading, writing, and communication skills. 

• Previous experience in plastics recycling and polymeric materials will be considered an advantage. 

As a person, we hope that you are: 

A curious mind, who is eager to develop and take on new challenges. We appreciate ambition and willingness to learn over having all the answers or skills ready when you start. You are also a team player with strong collaboration skills who wants to drive a positive impact in the world. 
  
 

With VTT, you’ll enjoy: 

• Impactful work for the future. As a leading applied research organization, we are on a mission to bring exponential hope to the world by joining together people, businesses, science and technology. We tackle the biggest challenges of our time – from climate change and resource sufficiency to industrial renewal and smart healthcare – and turn them into sustainable growth. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope. 

• Career opportunities, top-level mentors. At VTT, young professionals' skills are appreciated and supported with the opportunity to learn from the top experts in their field. You’ll get to discover our community of over 2000 experts representing more than 40 nationalities working across cutting-edge fields of science and technology. 

• Meaningful projects, real responsibility. At VTT, young talents get to take on on meaningful projects in research or supporting researchers’ work. We treat young talents as equals and give them real responsibility from the start. VTT is a caring employer that supports your growth and work–life balance and offers a range of well-being services. 

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 1st, 2023. We will process applications as they come in and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate. The thesis work is to be done at VTT Tampere and it is expected to start in January 2024.

Interested and want to hear more? 

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Mika Paajanen, mika.paajanen@vtt.fi or Project Coordinator Sarianna Palola, sarianna.palola@vtt.fi, phone: +358 40 521 9151.

Employment type: 

The chosen Master´s Thesis student will be paid a thesis fee (15 000€) instead of an employment contract. The duration of the Master's thesis work period is 6 months. 

We look forward to hearing from you!