Are you all about science and technology? Would you like to develop your skills and use them to tackle the greatest challenges of our time? VTT might be just the place for you – apply now for VTT Summer of Changemakers 2026 traineeships! 

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 nearly 2400 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Now, we are looking for passionate changemakers – you – to join us as summer trainees.

Our last summer's trainees rated their summer job experience at VTT 4.8/5 in our summer job survey. Below are some excerpts from their feedback when asked how they would describe VTT as a workplace:

"I was impressed by how much responsibility and freedom I was given. I was trusted to work independently, but support was always available when needed."

"VTT is a professional, inspiring, and forward-looking workplace where practical impact is evident. The work community is skilled and open to new ideas."

"I found VTT versatile, innovative, and inspiring."

Do you want to be our next Master's thesis worker in our Protein Production and Production Host Engineering teams? 

Fungal biotechnology workhorses such as those from the Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, Penicillium and Saccharomyces genera have been used for decades as industrial scale producers of organic acids, enzymes, hormones and biopharmaceuticals.

Our research area employs microbial cell factories to produce proteins and metabolites that are relevant to the pharmaceutical, biomaterials, food and enzyme industries. In this position, you will have an essential role in engineering yeast cells to produce novel biopharmaceuticals with applicable biological activities. You will also help in developing genetic engineering strategies to improve the efficiency of microbial cell factories. 

What would your responsibilities include?

• Conduct laboratory experiments related to molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology.
• Organise and analyse results (using statistics, tables and graphs).
• Present data in one-on-one and group meetings.
• Prepare a clear and organized report. 

Who we are looking for?

• Undergraduate students, postgraduate students or recent graduates
• Some of the relevant academic backgrounds for this position include: biology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and genetics. Candidates with a different study background but a strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply as well.
• A strong spirit of initiative and a good sense of responsibility and organization.
• Someone who can see the bigger picture questions and act proactively to find solutions.
• A committed trainee who feels comfortable in a dynamic work environment.
• Experience with molecular biology methodologies and the manipulation of microbes will be considered favourable.
• The selected candidate must have good English communication skills.

As a person, we hope that you are a curious mind, who is eager to develop and take on new challenges. We appreciate ambition and willingness to learn over having all the answers or skills ready when you start. You are also a team player with strong collaboration skills who wants to drive a positive impact in the world.

What would we offer you?

• Impactful work for the future. As a leading applied research organisation, we are on a mission to bring exponential hope to the world by joining together people, businesses, science and technology. We tackle the biggest challenges of our time – from climate change and resource sufficiency to industrial renewal and smart healthcare – and turn them into sustainable growth. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
• Career opportunities, top-level mentors. At VTT, your skills are appreciated and supported with the opportunity to learn from the top experts in their field. You’ll get to discover our community of nearly 2400 experts representing 60 nationalities working across cutting-edge fields of science and technology.
• Meaningful projects, real responsibility. With us, you get to take on meaningful projects and create innovative scientific and technical solutions. We treat all employees as equals and give you real responsibility from the start. VTT is a caring employer that supports your growth and work–life balance and offers a range of well-being services.

What is like to work with us solving the biggest challenges of our time? Check from the video what kind of experiences Aymara, Daniil, Eric and Isabella had from their summer traineeships and what kind of change did they drive.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Come, curious minds and clever changemakers! Prepare your CV and cover letter, and send in your application with your transcript of records via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 1 February 2026. Let’s change the world for the better next summer.

All VTT Summer of Changemakers traineeships are paid, and the salary is determined based on study credits: for Master's students the monthly salary is between 2650€ and 2850€, and for Bachelor's students the monthly salary is between 2150€ and 2450€. The typical duration of traineeships is between 3 and 6 months, with start dates usually falling between March and June, however the length and the exact starting date can be discussed with the hiring team. 

Please read more of VTT Summer of Changemakers from here: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/summer-changemakers

Interested and want to hear more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Jorg de Ruijter (e-mail: Jorg.deRuijter@vtt.fi, phone: +358 40 662 3417).

We will process applications as they come in, and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate. We will inform all applicants about the continuation of the process during February 2026. Most of the interview will be held in February-March, however they can be started already during the application period. 

We look forward to hearing from you!