Are you interested in metals and materials recovery research and looking for a new job opportunity in the 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 2300 brilliant minds 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 Research Engineer or Research Technician to join our Metals and materials recovery team.
You will be performing applied research in the field of hydrometallurgy with the Metals and materials recovery team. The team focuses on hydrometallurgical and mechanical separation processes and their research. The key objectives are to develop processing methods for low-grade and/or complex ores, concentrates and wastes, as well as to enable recycling of secondary streams, e.g., spent batteries. Special emphasis is given to minimization of waste production and environmental footprint, while maximizing energy efficiency and flexibility of processes. In addition to our wide customer network, we are also extremely active in the jointly funded national and international research networks. The practical research is carried out in Circular Raw Materials Hub laboratory and Hydrometallurgy pilot hall, both located in Bioruukki, Espoo.
See a video of the hydrometallurgy pilot and read more about our research: Hydrometallurgy and mechanical treatment.

In this position, you will:

• Perform applied research in hydrometallurgy, including leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and process development, as well as mechanical separation.
• Plan, build, and operate laboratory equipment and pilot test setups in collaboration with research scientists.
• Contribute to safety, quality, and maintenance efforts in daily research activities.

We expect you to have:

• A suitable education or work experience in a relevant processing/equipment environment.
• Relevant educational background, e.g. Bachelor of Engineering in process or chemical engineering (from a university of applied sciences) or vocational degree.
• Strong interest in planning and building of experimental (laboratory and pilot) setups as well as operating and maintaining processing equipment.
• Experience or willingess to learn analytical work (e.g., ICP-OES).
• Professional English skills, both written and spoken.
• Basic understanding of automation and process control is an advantage.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• We are looking for a candidate who has high interest and practical skills in planning, assembling and operating various complex equipment setups. You may have interests in development of analytical methodologies or in process automation. You are a true team player, operating in cooperation with the whole team. Flexibility is essential, as sometimes test work is conducted in day/night shifts. You take occupational safety seriously and consistently seek possibilities to improve quality of our and your work.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Natural sciences with an impact. VTT works on the cutting-edge of natural sciences, and we've invested in 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 a 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 2300 multidisciplinary experts who foster a culture of trust, openness, and sharing of knowledge. We work 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. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• 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 for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture excellent 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 annually (after one year of work), we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation and cognitive ergonomics training.

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 8 September 2024. We will process applications as they come in and fill 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 know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Antti Porvali, antti.porvali@vtt.fi, +358 50 430 7590 on 28.8 at 13.30-15 ot on 3.9. at 13.30-15.
We look forward to hearing from you!