Are you passionate about power electronics, real-time simulation, and HIL testing? Do you want to drive the energy transition with cutting-edge technologies like microgrids, EV charging, and Power-to-X? If you're excited about contributing to innovative research in state-of-the-art facilities and shaping the future of energy systems, VTT could be the perfect 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 2000 brilliant minds focuses 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 Senior Scientist to join our Smart Grids team!

As a Senior Scientist, your key goals are to lead groundbreaking research and innovation within the realm of smart grids, harnessing your deep expertise in power systems and cutting-edge technologies.

You will take responsibility, and your work will include real-time simulations, digital twins, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, particularly in the context of microgrids, EV charging systems, Power-to-X, and other smart grid applications. You will contribute to and lead research projects that explore the evolving interface between power electronic systems and modern energy infrastructure, driving new capabilities for system flexibility, reliability, and resilience. Through your visionary approach and collaborative spirit, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy systems and fostering an environment of excellence and innovation within the team and the broader scientific community.

The Smart Grids team is at the forefront of designing and demonstrating novel solutions for a low-carbon energy system. Our expertise lies in understanding the dynamic operation of today’s electricity grid while anticipating the transformations required by increasing electrification, decentralisation, and digitalisation. We collaborate with industry, academia, and the public sector to ensure that our innovations support a sustainable and robust energy future.

As a Senior Scientist, you will:

• Lead applied research in power electronics and smart grid applications, developing experimental setups based on real-time simulation and HIL methodologies.
• Drive the development of our research infrastructure and laboratory platforms, including digital twins and flexible converter testing environments.
• Coordinate and manage research projects focused on microgrids, EV charging systems, and Power-to-X integration, as for example.
• Collaborate across disciplines and sectors, working closely with partners from academia, industry, and public authorities to co-create impactful solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, contributing to competence development and team cohesion.
• Advance scientific knowledge through high-quality publications, active participation in international networks, and contributions to standardisation and policy initiatives.

Your profile and experience:

• You have strong expertise in power electronics and converter systems, particularly in grid-connected applications and control strategies.
• You have practical experience with real-time simulation tools (e.g. OPAL-RT, RTDS, Typhoon HIL) and HIL testing methods.
• You are familiar with application areas such as microgrids, EV charging, and Power-to-X, and understand their role in future energy systems.
• You have a proven ability to design and carry out experimental research, integrating simulation models and physical testing environments.
• You are skilled in using tools like Simulink, PSCAD, RT-Lab, PowerFactory, or similar platforms, and are fluent in at least one relevant programming language (e.g. Python, MATLAB).
• You hold a Doctor of Science (Tech.) or a Master of Science (Tech.) in Electrical Engineering and have gained significant experience through your research or industry background.
• You are an effective communicator in English. Knowledge of Finnish is considered an advantage.
• You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment and are motivated by creating real-world impact.

Your unique skills and experience may be just what we need, so please consider applying even if you do not meet every requirement listed!

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Someone who enjoys working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, multicultural team, and is motivated by creating real-world impact through your work.
• Good team worker and have a positive attitude towards complex research challenges.
• Analytical and detail-oriented, yet creative in developing solutions.
• Eager to learn and explore emerging technologies across disciplines
• Safety-minded person comfortable working with data-intensive environments and digital tools in simulated and real-world laboratory settings.
• Passionate about producing high-quality research and sharing knowledge with others.

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 a real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.  Our researchers 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, such as VTT FutureHub, the headquarters of VTT. 
• 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 for over ten 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. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• 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 May 2025. We will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate since we hope that the person can start as soon as possible. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Katja Sirviö, e-mail: katja.sirvio@vtt.fi, or tel. +358503140749 on 13 May at 15:00 - 16:00 or 22 May at 9:00 - 10:00 (Finnish time, UCT+3).

We look forward to hearing from you!