Senior Scientist, Lignin and Sidestream Valorization

Are you interested in development of novel sustainable bio-based materials solutions 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 expert 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 is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World . 

We are now looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Biorefining Chemistry team!

As a Senior Scientist, your key goals are to develop our team’s excellence and project portfolio on biomass valorization, especially of lignin and sidestreams.

In this position, you will develop and apply various analytical tools to support the development of novel routes for processing and valorization of lignocellulosic building blocks. You will be solving challenges linked to biomass structure and chemistry to enable the use lignocellulosic building blocks in various material applications.

Our team, Biorefining Chemistry is focusing on development of resource efficient biorefinery concepts, enabling optimal conversion of biomass into sustainable high-performance materials and products, with special emphasis in the valorization of side-streams such as lignin and bark.

• Apply your solid applied chemistry skills in wide range research and customer projects in the field of biomass processing towards sustainable products.
• Identify and establish contact with potential customers and research partners and actively participate in offering our R&D expertise and know-how
• Participate in project preparation, project and task management in internal and external projects and provide scientific and technical expertise to the projects.
• Act as a role model in scientific excellence, supporting research scientists in their early career.
  

• You have fundamental understanding in lignocellulose chemistry and structure
• Strong knowledge in biomass processing technologies and valorization of various pulp mill side streams
• Solid expertise in application of chromatographic, spectroscopic and NMR analysis methods and interpretation of data thereof
• Capability to develop analytical tools for analysis of novel lignocellulosic building block
• PhD or Master’s degree in biomass processing, organic or analytical chemistry, or closely related field.
  

An open-minded and innovative person with a vision on longer-term research needs.
You enjoy challenges and have a strong passion for work. You are eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set ambitious goals. You will work in close collaboration with experts and partners across different fields, so you have good interpersonal and communication skills.

• 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.
  
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture great 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 programmes and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.
  

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 27 of October 2022. We will process applications as they come in and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate. We start to organise interviews as soon as applications are received.

For further information, please contact:
Stina Grönqvist, Research Team Leader, [email protected] , + 358 40 820 7508, Atte Virtanen, Vice President, [email protected] , +358 50 577 9770

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 6 October 2022 and 27 October 2022 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Fulltime, 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 is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT – beyond the obvious.