Would you like to do impactful research in the cutting edge of natural sciences with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build a science career and work in a versatile role at the interface of academy and industry? 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 2300 brilliant minds focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation.

We are looking for a Master´s Thesis worker to join our Lignin and Sidestream Valorization team.

As a Master's Thesis worker, you will be working in the EU-funded SURFs UP project (https://www.surfs-up.eu/). The project aims to develop optimised processes for second-generation biosurfactant products from lignin. In this position you will have the possibility to advance our understanding of lignin-based surfactants and emulsions for home and personal care products.

As Master’s Thesis Worker, you will

• Conduct a literature review on lignin-based surfactants and their properties
• Characterize different lignings and lignin-based surfactants using traditional methods and NMR
• Prepare lignin sample solutions for surface tension measurements and conduct the measurementsevaluate the emulsion activity and stability of various lignin derivatives through different methods, e.g. testing the foaming ability of lignin samples and using fluorescence microscopy
• Present your findings in recurring internal meetings and with externals, if necessary

Who we are looking for:

• A highly motivated student with relevant educational background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, surface chemistry, Wood science or related field
• Good skills in English (reading, writing, presenting)

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:

• Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we've invested in building state-of-the-art research facilities for natural sciences, such as the Bioruukki pilot infrastructure for bio- and circular economy. Our research agenda is dedicated to solving systemic and technological challenges, such as reaching carbon neutrality and unleashing the power of synthetic biology. That means that at VTT, your expertise in natural sciences will go towards creating a real impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope. 
• Superb colleagues and community. With VTT, you'll join a community of over 2000 multidisciplinary experts who foster a culture of trust, openness, and sharing of knowledge. We work across disciplines and house all the cutting-edge sciences, from quantum computing to synthetic biology, under one roof. Collaborating with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• Excellent career in research. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. A combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects keeps your career path interesting.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture excellent team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work-life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays annually (after one year of work), we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation and cognitive ergonomics training.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and application with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 28 January 2025. We will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Project Manager Stefania Bertella, Stefania.bertella@vtt.fi, +358 50 3250392 or Research Team Leader Stina Grönqvist, stina.gronqvist@vtt.fi.

We look forward to hearing from you!