Postdoctoral Researcher, Mofs For Critical Element Detection And Separation

Are you passionate about solving the grand challenges of resource security and clean energy? Would you like to develop innovative electrochemical and materials-based technologies for the selective detection and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and primary actinides (U, Th) from complex aqueous systems? Are you looking for a postdoctoral opportunity where your research can make a real societal impact? Join us at VTT, where cutting-edge materials research meets industrial relevance. 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 2300 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities is focused 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 to join our Advanced Materials for Nuclear Energy team for a fixed-term three-year contract starting in January 2026!

In this Postdoctoral Researcher position, you will have an essential role in developing and experimentally validating advanced sensing and separation processes for critical raw materials and primary actinides, such as rare earth elements, uranium, and thorium. Your work will focus on combining functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and electrochemical methods to enable the selective detection and sustainable recovery of valuable elements from industrial and nuclear streams. This research supports European efforts in raw material resilience, the circular economy, and clean energy technologies.

Our team, Advanced Materials for Nuclear Energy, works on innovative electrochemical and materials-based technologies for energy, environmental, and industrial applications. We aim to solve global challenges by combining applied research with fundamental science, contributing to a sustainable future through impactful innovation.

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.

Your responsibilities as a Postdoctoral Researcher:

• Advancing sensing and separation methods for critical raw materials and primary actinides using MOFs and electrochemical techniques in targeted research projects.
• Designing and applying functionalization strategies to tailor MOF selectivity and sensing performance.
• Conducting and coordinating experimental work (e.g. material synthesis, electrochemical testing, adsorption studies, sensor development, and elemental analysis such as ICP-MS, SEM-EDS and XRD).
• Collaborating closely with theoretical and modelling partners to understand and optimize material performance.
• Participating in writing journal publications, project reports, and presenting results at scientific conferences.
• Supporting the team in developing and optimizing experimental setups for element detection and recovery, including integration of sensing functions.
• Contributing to project proposals and funding applications in national and international programmes.
• Mentoring or tutoring junior researchers and students involved in the project.

Who we are looking for:

• You have completed your doctoral degree within the past 5 years in electrochemistry, materials science, radiochemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• You have hands-on experience with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), electrochemical techniques, or element separation processes, particularly in the context of critical raw materials or actinides.
• You are familiar with nanoporous materials, solid–liquid interactions, and/or selective ion binding or redox mechanisms.
• You have a strong background in experimental work and laboratory instrumentation, preferably including ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS, and electrochemical characterization methods.
• You are enthusiastic about multidisciplinary research and eager to collaborate across theoretical and experimental domains.
• You have excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Experience in scientific publishing and/or international collaboration is considered an asset.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• An open-minded and innovative researcher who is motivated by solving complex scientific and technological challenges related to critical raw materials and actinide sensing and separation.
• Someone who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and enjoys working at the intersection of fundamental science and applied research.
• Eager to learn and explore new research topics and methods, even beyond your current expertise, to contribute meaningfully to ambitious goals.
• A proactive and self-driven person who can take ownership of your work while also contributing actively to team efforts.
• Comfortable with both independent problem-solving and collaborative co-creation with experts across materials chemistry, electrochemistry, radiochemistry, and modelling.
• Curious and committed to generating high-impact results that support resource security, sustainable technologies, and European raw materials independence.
• Respectful, inclusive, and constructive in your interactions, we value diverse perspectives and open communication.

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 over 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. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays annually (after one year of work), 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 application with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 31 August 2025. We will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure will be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Mikko Vepsäläinen, mikko.vepsalainen@vtt.fi, +358 46 9206172 on 14 August at 13:00-16:00 or on 19 August 14:00-16:00 (Finnish time UTC+3).

We look forward to hearing from you!

This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes. The Programme has been granted 40 million euros in funding based on the Finnish government's multi-annual research and development (R&D) funding plan. This funding enables recruitment of 85 PhD-level experts to 12 Finnish government research institutes between 2025 and 2028. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen RDI competence in areas important to society and business. Postdoctoral researcher will conduct goal-oriented high-level research at the interface between the academic community, industry and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.