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 Research Trainee – Software Engineering (AI & LLM Applications) in our Quantitative Science and Technology Studies team?

As a Research Trainee, your key goal is to support the development of AI-enhanced software solutions for large-scale text processing and data analysis. In this position, you will work with Python-based methods and Large Language Models to analyse extensive text corpora and create visualisations that help interpret and communicate results. You will contribute to applied research projects that combine software engineering, AI, and quantitative science and technology studies. 

Our team, Quantitative Science and Technology Studies, focuses on developing data-driven and computational methods to analyse science, technology, and innovation systems. The team supports VTT’s mission by producing evidence-based insights that inform policy, strategic decision-making, and responsible technology development, helping address global challenges through advanced analytics and AI-enabled research. 

What would your responsibilities include?

• Developing and testing Python-based methods for text processing and analysis 
• Supporting the use of Large Language Models for large-scale document analysis 
• Creating visualisations and dashboards to present analytical results 
• Assisting in the development of simple UI and UX components for research tools 
• Working with structured and unstructured text data from multiple sources 
• Documenting code, methods, and results in a clear and reproducible way 
• Supporting research staff in ongoing data-driven research projects 
• Preparing short technical summaries, figures, or presentations

We're looking for someone who:

• Is studying software engineering, computer science, data science, or a related field 
• Has sufficient knowledge of Python programming (required) 
• Has interest or experience in text processing and data analysis 
• Has basic experience with UI and UX design (nice to have) 
• Is familiar with or interested in responsible AI practices and relevant standards or frameworks 
• Is comfortable working both independently and as part of a research team 
• Has good written and spoken English skills 

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Have a curious and analytical mindset and a willingness to learn 
• Are motivated to apply your skills to real-world research challenges 
• Value responsible and ethical software development practices 
• Enjoy collaboration and open communication in a multidisciplinary team 
• Are eager to grow your technical skills while contributing to meaningful research impact 

As part of the application process, we ask all candidates to submit a short video response. The recruiting team will review this video to better understand your background and motivation for this position. Please record and submit your video using this link: click to see video interview question. This step is required for your application to be considered.

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, cover letter and introduction video, 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 Arash Hajikhani, tel. +358 40 933 3549 on 21.1.2026 (10-11AM) and 28.1.2026 (14-15).  

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!