Are you interested in novel biobased carbon material solutions, in the fields of energy storage and sensors and looking for a postdoctoral opportunity in the field? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of academy and industry? VTT might be just the place for you. If you are an international talent searching for a new opportunity, read more about the benefits of living in Finland and VTT’s support for relocation here! 

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.   

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher, focusing on biobased carbon solutions for both energy storage and sensor materials (2-year fixed-term employment)!  

In this position, you will have an essential role in enhancing the sustainability of our material solutions by replacing fossil-based carbons with bio-based alternatives. You will be  advancing our hybrid cellulose/carbon electrochemical platform by participating in the development of an industrially scalable, integrated sensor prototypes.   

Join our team, and you'll be part of a dynamic, cutting-edge field with vast potential for both academic research and industry collaboration. In this postdoctoral researcher role, you'll have the unique opportunity to approach this challenge from multiple perspectives—be it through academic research, defining future directions with grant applications, or engaging with companies to understand real-world needs. Your passion for research and advancing new solutions will be key in driving this critical work forward. 

In our research area, we aim at maximizing the value of utilized biomass. We develop novel added-value biomass-based materials and products. New biobased solutions play a key role in replacing fossil-based raw materials with sustainable, reusable, recyclable and renewable alternatives.   

VTT started a Postdoc programme in 2023 to develop new ways to support scientific excellence and to strengthen career paths from universities to VTT. We want to provide development opportunities for recent university PhDs in applied research and industry collaboration. As a Postdoctoral 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.  

We are looking for a driven and innovative mind to help shape the future and contribute to a self-sufficient Europe. If you are eager to explore new frontiers in research and have a desire to see your work make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you. 

Read more about our research here:   

https://www.vttresearch.com/en/research-expertise/biomass-processing-and-products,   

https://www.vttresearch.com/en/technology-infrastructures/biomass-processing-infrastructure  

Your responsibilities as Postdoctoral Researcher:   

• You´ll conduct ground-breaking scientific research with application driven approach  
• You’ll steer our future research directions by participating in research grant preparation work  
• You´ll participate in establishing national and international networks with research organisations and industry  
• You’ll disseminate your work in high impact scientific journals and relevant conferences  
• You’ll participate in supervising scientist such as PhD students in early stage of their career  

Who we are looking for:  

• You have in depth experience in one of the following and are at least familiar with the other two: 
  • Biomass carbonization  
  • Interfacial interactions, surface analytics, and hybridization of nanomaterials 
  • Sensors and membranes 
• You are a researcher with demonstrated expertise in the field  
• You have the readiness or willingness to use relevant modelling tools   
• You have recently gained your doctoral degree in carbon materials, carbon nanomaterials, materials science, surface analytics or a closely related field 
• Experience or at least understanding of project preparation and grant applications 

As a person, we hope that you are:  

An open-minded and innovative person with a vision for longer term research needs. You enjoy challenges and have a strong passion for work. You are eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set ambitious goals. We appreciate the ability to tolerate pressure and maintain a good work-life balance, as well as the willingness to collaborate with experts and partners across different fields.  

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 on 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 postdoc research. During your postdoctoral term, we offer training in project management, scientific writing, communication, and commercialisation. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with industry on projects, access our research infrastructure and internal support services, explore interdisciplinary research, and secure funding for your postdoc term. 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 of 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 (including list of publications) and cover letter with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible and latest by 13th of April. We will process applications as they come in and fill in 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 hear more?  

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Stina Grönqvist (stina.gronqvist@vtt.fi, +358 40 820 7508) or Research Professor Tekla Tammeplin-Peltonen (tekla.tammelin-peltonen@vtt.fi).