Postdoctoral Researcher, High Performance Carbon Materials, (3-Year Fixed-Term Employment)

Are you interested in novel biobased carbon material solutions in the fields of energy storage and looking for a postdoctoral opportunity in the field? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of academy and industry? VTT might be just the place for you. 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!
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 2400 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher, High performance carbon materials, (3-year fixed-term employment)

In this position you focus on advancing innovative, data-driven research to engineer high-performance carbon materials for energy applications with a strong emphasis on understanding and controlling material properties through predictive modelling and process optimization. As a postdoctoral researcher, you’ll have a unique opportunity enhancing the sustainability of our material solutions by replacing fossil-based carbons with bio-based alternatives. You will tackle this challenge from multiple angles—whether through cutting-edge academic research, shaping future directions via grant proposals, or engaging directly with companies to understand practical needs. Your enthusiasm for innovation and commitment to advancing new solutions will be essential in driving this important work forward.

In our Research area, we aim at maximizing the value of the biomass. We develop novel added-value bio-based materials and products. New bio-based solutions play a key role in replacing fossil-based raw materials with sustainable, reusable, recyclable, and renewable alternatives.

VTT started a Postdoc programme in 2023 to develop new ways to support scientific excellence and to strengthen career paths from universities to VTT. We want to provide development opportunities for recent university PhDs in applied research and industry collaboration. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at VTT, you are able to make an impact on our customers and society. Our researchers work closely together with industry, often in interdisciplinary research groups. VTT has excellent research infrastructure and internal services to support your research work.

We’re seeking a motivated and forward-thinking researcher to help shape the future of energy storage and support Europe’s journey toward self-sufficiency. Join our team and contribute to a vibrant, forward-looking field with immense potential for academic discovery and industry collaboration.

Read more about our research:

https://www.vttresearch.com/en/research-expertise/biomass-processing-and-products,

https://www.vttresearch.com/en/technology-infrastructures/biomass-processing-infrastructure

Your responsibilities as Postdoctoral Researcher:

• conduct ground-breaking scientific research with an application-driven mindset
• help steer future research directions by contributing to research grant preparation
• You build national and international networks with research organizations and industry
• publish your work in high-impact scientific journals and present at relevant conferences
• supervise early-career scientists, including PhD students
• conduct ground-breaking scientific research with application driven approach and mindset

Who we are looking for:

• You have a doctoral degree in inorganic chemistry, industrial chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.
• You are an independent, professional researcher with demonstrated expertise in inorganic chemistry, characterization, and analysis, especially as applied to biomass-derived materials and battery applications.
• You are familiar with battery materials, especially hard carbon anodes
• You have experience or at least fundamental understanding in project preparation and grant applications
• You have the readiness or willingness to use relevant modelling tools
• Preferably, you have hands-on knowledge of lignocellulosic biomass, its processing, and materials characterization methods.

As a person, we hope that you are:

An open-minded and innovative person with a long-term vision for research, driven by a strong passion for work and a readiness to tackle challenges—even beyond your comfort zone. You possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to conduct independent research while thriving in interdisciplinary collaboration. Your scientific communication is clear and effective, whether preparing manuscripts or presenting at conferences. You maintain a healthy work-life balance, handle pressure well, and actively contribute to shaping future research directions with an entrepreneurial mindset.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Science with an impact. At VTT, we seek to solve large societal challenges and drive a sustainable future through applied research and innovation. With us, you’ll get to work on research projects that make a concrete, positive impact in the world. Read more about our strategy, the path of exponential hope, and our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• Support for your postdoc research. During your postdoctoral term, we offer training in project management, scientific writing, communication, and commercialisation. You’ll have the opportunity collaborate with industry on projects, access our research infrastructure and internal support services, explore interdisciplinary research, and secure funding for your postdoc term. At VTT, you’ll enjoy flexibility and independence in your work, with a blend of academic research and engaging customer projects for an exciting career path.

• Open culture of innovation. We have 80 years of experience in science-based innovation, a strong international reputation and global networks. We work truly across disciplines, and house all the cutting-edge sciences from quantum computing to synthetic biology under one roof. At VTT, you’ll join a community of over 2200 multidisciplinary experts who foster a culture of trust, openness and sharing knowledge. Collaborating with amazing colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun.
• Nordic work–life balance. Working in Finland, the happiest country in the world, enables a great quality of life. At VTT, we make our people’s well-being a strategic priority. We offer 6 weeks paid vacation a year, and our benefits include extended occupational healthcare, and a range well-being services, such as exercise and culture benefits and hobby clubs. Read more about the benefits of living in Finland and VTT’s support for relocation.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and cover letter (including list of publications) with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible and latest by 23 November.

We will process applications as they come in and fill in the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to hear more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Stina Grönqvist (+358 40 820 7508)

This position will be in a project funded by European Union's NextGenerationEU instrument.