Are you interested in integrated and quantum technologies 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? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-art research facilities? 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 2300 brilliant minds from almost 60 different nationalities is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Quantum Photonics team for a fixed-term three-year contract starting in a spring 2025!

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.

In this position, you will have an essential role in developing, planning and carrying out research and commercial projects and applying for research funding. You will be responsible for building our project portfolio and developing substance knowledge and competence for our organization’s and customers’ needs. You’ll have an active role in customer relations, and you will use your vision to develop the excellence in the field of photonics and quantum.

Our Quantum Photonics team, provides photonics solutions for a variety of quantum technologies, including photonic quantum computers, superconducting quantum computers, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. Our focus is on quantum photonics integrated circuits (QPICs), where we develop key building blocks for quantum technologies. Such developments are made in close collaboration with our academic partners along the lines agreed with our industrial partners. The ultimate goal is to build critical QPIC building blocks for quantum technologies.
 
Your responsibilities as a Postdoctoral Researcher: 
•    Managing and developing a research portfolio on integrated photonics supporting quantum technologies
•    Design, fabrication process development and process integration for QPICs  
•    Actively look for new research opportunities, collaborations with industries and build a strong network with academy and industry within the field.
•    Look for new project opportunities
•    Collaborating in research team and project group with co-writing and project work
•    Participating actively in dissemination with journal publications and in conference presentations
•    Supervising or tutoring junior team members.

Who we are looking for:
•    You have recently (max 5 years ago) gained your doctoral degree in photonics, physics, electronics or closely similar field.
•    You have several year work experience and track record in integrated photonics, preferably including QPICs. Strong background on quantum optics is seen as an asset. Previous experience in industry or close collaboration with industrial players are seen as a plus.
•    Knowledge on design, fabrication, and characterization of low temperature detectors and fast EO modulators is a strong plus
•    You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

As a person, we hope that you are:
•    You have strong communication and collaboration skills. You are able to efficiently interact with your colleagues and with people from different fields.
•    An enthusiastic outside-the-box thinker. You enjoy challenges and learning new things and have a strong passion for science and research and development
•    A further benefit is knowledge about the interactions between research and business
•    An open-minded and innovative person with a vision of longer-term research needs.
•    You are eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set ambitious goals.
 
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 postdoc research. During your postdoctoral term, 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, 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. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays annually (after one year of work), 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 16th of February 2025. 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 Sara Pourjamal by email: sara.pourjamal@vtt.fi , or by phone +358 40 150 8330.

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT
VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience in top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together. VTT – beyond the obvious.