Are you interested in the development of biomaterials and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? 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 is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World.    

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join our research team working on sustainable textile innovations in Bioruukki!  

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental and process development activities related to cellulose pretreatment, dissolution, and spinning into regenerated fibers. This role is part of collaborative EU-funded projects aimed at advancing bio-based materials for textile applications. The position is a fixed-term position as a parental leave substitute until March 2027. In this position you will work closely with VTT´s experienced scientists and technicians at VTT´s Bioruukki pilot centre in Espoo.  

Your key responsibilities: 

• Design and conduct laboratory-scale experiments for cellulose pretreatment and analysis together with VTT´s skilled scientists and technicians 
• Optimize cellulose dissolution protocols using green solvents and assess solubility and rheological properties 
• Develop and refine wet spinning processes for producing regenerated cellulose fibers (Lab and pilot demonstrations) 
• Characterize fibers using techniques such as tensile testing, microscopy, etc. 
• Collaborate with internal and external partners within EU projects, contributing to deliverables, reports, and presentations 
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and data analysis 
• Participate in project meetings, workshops, and dissemination activities 
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations in the laboratory 

Who we are looking for: 

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field 
• Hands-on experience in cellulose chemistry, polymer dissolution, or wet spinning is desirable 
• Familiarity with EU project environments and collaborative research is an asset 
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in scientific reporting and communication 
• Communication in Finnish is required; English language skills are essential  

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:   

• Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we’ve invested into 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 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 knowledge. We work truly 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.     

• 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 over 10 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 great 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 we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programmes and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.     

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 the 2th of September 2025. We will process applications as they come in and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance will be conducted as part of the recruitment process. 

Interested and want to hear more?  

For more information about the position, please contact Research Team Leader Liji Seleenmary Sobhanadhas on +358 504721334 in 25 of August between 15-16 or 1st of September between 15-16. 

We look forward to hearing from you!