Senior Researcher / Researcher, Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry

Are you interested in investigating hydrogeological and biogeochemical processes in groundwater and surface waters and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Do you want to apply and develop innovative water resource assessment methods in versatile research projects? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? 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 is focused 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 research infra at VTT World . 

We are looking for an ambitious and challenge-oriented researcher or senior researcher with a background in hydrogeology and/or hydrogeochemistry to join us!

As a researcher, you have a role in applying and developing reactive transport models to assess material and energy flows through porous media and conduct geospatial analyses of analyte distributions (including isotopes) in precipitation, surface water and groundwater. The main fields of research include hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and hydrology. You are a technical specialist and an independent problem solver, capable of working as part of a larger team of multi-disciplinary experts.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to conduct versatile work in EU, national and commercial projects regarding water resources assessment, development and management. The main challenges relate to improving the understanding of water resources and dynamics of aqueous species at various scales including applications to sustainable (urban) development and nuclear safety, and transforming new knowledge into social, environmental and economic benefits.

Your main responsibilities will be applying and developing surface water and groundwater flow and coupled reactive transport models to assess groundwater-surface water interactions and/or water quality, and to characterise aquifers. You will also be responsible for developing and managing projects in your area of expertise.

The ability to apply existing and/or develop novel groundwater flow models (including integrated surface water and groundwater models) is highly recommended in order to succeed in this position. A Master’s or PhD in groundwater modelling or a closely related engineering or scientific field is required. Good written and verbal English language skills are mandatory and Finnish language skills are considered an asset.

A working knowledge of Python, R, PHREEQ-C, MODFLOW and/or Comsol is considered an advantage. Experience in the acquisition and analysis of groundwater and surface water samples is highly valued.

Systematic, and able to handle pressure and able to prioritise. You are eager to apply your expertise to new topic areas, have an open-minded attitude and are able to work out of your comfort zone. You aim to develop yourself, your skills and the skills of your teammates as well. We hope that you are willing to travel since the role requires some travelling.

• 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 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 Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano- and quantum technologies.  
• 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 over 10 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.  

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 1 September 2021. 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 Laura Wendling, e-mail: [email protected]  or tel. +358 40 145 8036 Monday–Thursday at 3pm–4pm.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 2 August 2021 and 1 September 2021 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 over 75 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT´s turnover and other operating income is 258 M€. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT – beyond the obvious.