Are you interested in biobased material analytics and characterization and looking for a new job opportunity in the laboratory? Would you like to do impactful research in the cutting edge of natural sciences? Do you want to 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. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra. 

We are now looking for a Senior Research Technician / Research Engineer to join our Analytics and Characterization team in Espoo! 

New biobased solutions are key in replacing fossil-based raw materials with sustainable, reusable, recyclable, and renewable alternatives. VTT has excellent research infrastructure , and your work will be an important part of internal services to support research work. You will be taking part of VTT’s mission of solving global challenges such as emission-free pulping. In this position, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and work on their interesting projects, providing various modifications and analyses of biobased materials. 

As Senior Research Technician / Research Engineer, you will: 

• You will be performing various biomass treat, such as enzymatic modifications, cold dispersions, fiber staining, and producing sheets and films, etc. 
• You will also be doing lignin and tannin modifications, compositional analysis like extractions, acid hydrolysis, reactivity of tannins, etc. 
• You will operate various analytical equipment and employ techniques such as optical microscopy, spectrophotometry, grinding, particle size measurement, and lab-scale reactors. Additionally, you will be responsible for equipment maintenance 
• You will be reporting results, constantly learning new things, and collaborating with researchers 
• Prioritizing safety as a key aspect of your daily work 

We are looking for a person with: 

• A degree in Laboratory Technology or a Bachelor of Science in a related laboratory field 
• Strong experience (minimum of 3 years) in practical laboratory work and the ability to work independently and flexibly in frequently changing situations 
• You are interested in working with biomass and biobased materials like sugars, fibres, lignins, and tannins 
• You are experienced in working in a chemistry laboratory and familiar with common laboratory procedures 
• You have an interest in analytical method development 
• You have good communication and social skills in both Finnish and English 
• You are proficient in using common computer programs 

As a person, we hope that you are: 

An open-minded thinker with the ability and motivation to learn new things. You enjoy analytical challenges, and you have a passion for hands-on laboratory work. We value the ability to withstand the pressure that arises from rapidly changing work challenges. You need to be proactive, creative, and adaptable to effectively complete your daily tasks. We appreciate the ability to maintain a good work-life balance, as well as the willingness to collaborate and communicate with experts and partners across different fields. 

With VTT, you’ll enjoy: 

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering from next generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope. 
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. With us, you get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects, both locally and internationally. At VTT, you’ll have state-of-the-art research facilities at your disposal. 
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. 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. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. 
• 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 8th of May 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 Team Leader Hanna Christophliemk, hanna.christophliemk@vtt.fi, or +358 503273043 on 28.4.2025 at 14:30 – 16:00 and 6.5.2025 at 10:00 – 11:00. 

We look forward to hearing from you!