Thesis worker, Production Host Engineering
Are you interested in the development of biosynthetic materials 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 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.
We are now looking for a Master’s Thesis worker to join our Production host engineering team.
As a Thesis worker, you have an opportunity to learn and grow under the supervision of experienced professionals and to contribute to biosynthetic materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers. This work is part of VTT’s new research investment on Digital development platform for biosynthetic materials . The wet-laboratory thesis work is a paid 7-month position, with the thesis writing being completed at your own pace outside of working hours. Salary is based on study credits, if you have 180-240 credits, salary will be 2600e/month, 240+ credits 2800e/month. We are flexible around the starting date, but for us the best starting time for the thesis work is after the Holidays in the beginning of 2025.
The main fields of research include metabolic engineering, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology. The primary tasks involve cloning of genetic elements for construction of various PHA producing Escherichia coli or other bacterial strains. In addition, you will do the cultivating and analysis with HPLC and other methods, and documenting and reporting of results within the project group and research team. The scientific objective is to compare the efficiency and substrate specificity of different key enzymes for production of desired copolymers.
You will have the opportunity to learn about cloning, metabolism and physiology in context of PHA production. You will use up-to-date synthetic biology tools, analytical methods, and cultivation technologies.
Our team, Production host engineering works on metabolic engineering of a large number of bacterial and fungal hosts for production of various products e.g., PHAs, lipids and derivatives, organic acids, colourants, or flavours and fragrances. We contribute to current and future production methods of food compounds and ingredients in cellular agriculture, chemicals and small molecules and materials.
As a MSc thesis student, you will:
Conduct scientific project work in the fields of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for generation of biosynthetic materials
• Actively participate in a multi-disciplinary research team
Who we are looking for:
Studies (close to completion) in relevant field such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology or bioprocess engineering
Laboratory skills and experience in molecular biology techniques
Experience working either with bacteria, yeast or filamentous fungi
Strong spoken and written English skills
Skills in use of excel, power point, recording data and reporting experimental work
It’s a benefit if you have experience with biochemistry, chemistry, and/or computational methods (metabolic modeling, AI, machine learning)
As a person, we hope that you are:
Motivated and willing to take initiative in getting tasks accomplished with a “can do” attitude
Able to work both independently and as a member of a team
Curious towards cross-disciplinary approaches and technological challenges
Excited to learn about storage and use of the generated biological data, e.g. use of data management system, machine learning or AI
You are target-driven both with your decision-making and in learning new things and growing professionally.
With VTT, you’ll enjoy:
Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we've invested in 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 a 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 of knowledge. We work 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. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
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 for over ten 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 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, 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 answer to the preliminary screening questions via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 18th of November 2024. 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 Research Team Leader Jorg de Ruijter, jorg.deruijter@vtt.fi
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 the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.
VTT – beyond the obvious.
Please see our other open positions and read more about us from our career pages.
