Senior Research Scientist / Research Scientist, Automation Solutions in Genetic Engineering

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 is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World .  

Your key goals are to develop and operate our robotic platforms for methods used in large scale engineering of diverse microbes and for screening of e.g., novel enzyme activities. In this position, you will have an essential role in method development in automation and participation in publicly funded and customer projects together with other VTT scientists.

Our team, Production host engineering, works on developing methods that enable us to make use of the tremendous biological diversity that exists in nature and turn that into technology solutions that will help to generate sustainable, industrially relevant, scalable microbial production processes. This goal is at the heart of VTT’s mission of solving global challenges through science and technology. Read more about our research on how engineered microbes can be used for improved sustainability: Korvaa head-set case (https://www.synbio.fi/korvaa-microbial-headset ), Waste to value (https://info.vttresearch.com/webinar/waste-to-products-with-synthetic-biology ).

We are extensively networked within the global community working on engineering biology and we are members in central networks such as the European infrastructure network IBISBA (https://www.ibisba.eu/ ), the Global Biofoundries Alliance (https://biofoundries.org/ ), and the Engineering Biology Research Consortium EBRC (https://ebrc.org/ ).

• Develop automation solutions for genetic engineering of microbial strains
• Develop computation and software solutions for the automation system
• Work in various academic and non-academic industrial biotechnology projects

• You have completed a MSc or a PhD in microbiology, biochemistry or a related field
• You have at least a few years of laboratory work experience in genetic engineering of microbial organisms
• You have experience in operating and developing methods for liquid handling robots (previous experience with Beckman Coulter or Tecan liquid handlers is considered a bonus)
• You are fluent in at least one object-oriented computer programming language (e.g. Python, Java, Visual Basic, C++). Your previous skills in HTML and Javascript/VBScript are considered a bonus
• Your spoken and written English is at a good level

• Motivated and willing to take initiative in getting projects executed
• Able to work both independently and as a member of an international team
• A problem solver, who is curious towards various scientific and technological challenges
• Willing to occasionally travel

Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we’ve invested into 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 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 knowledge. We work truly 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.  

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 over 10 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. Due to our extensive global networks in engineering biology you have the possibility to benefit of the ability to interact with cutting-edge scientists in the field.

Nordic work–life balance. Working in Finland, the world's happiest country enables an excellent quality of life. At VTT, we make our people's well-being a strategic priority. We offer six weeks of paid vacation a year. Our benefits include comprehensive occupational healthcare and a range of well-being services, such as exercise, culture benefits, and hobby clubs. If you are an international talent searching for a new opportunity, read more about the benefits of living in Finland and VTT's support for relocation here .

Please send your CV and application with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by Friday 30th of September 2022. We will process applications as they come in and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate.

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader, Jussi Jäntti, [email protected]

Apply between 1 September 2022 and 30 September 2022 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

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.