Postdoctoral Researcher, Computational Materials Science

Are you interested in Crystal plasticity, Metal deformation mechanisms and Computational materials science and looking for a postdoctoral opportunity in the 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 2300 brilliant minds from almost 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 ProperTune ICME team for a fixed-term three-year contract starting in January 2025! 

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 are now recruiting four Postdoctoral Researchers in the Knowledge Driven Design research area to boost the development of a Materials Acceleration Platform (MAP) for metal alloys.  

MAP aims to use a variety of advanced tools to generate new information and knowledge of materials. Besides automation, we aim to use characterisation and data generation, integrated computational materials engineering (ICME), quantum computing, and application of data analytics and AI to achieve this goal.  

In this Postdoctoral Researcher position, you will have an essential role in further developing our microstructural analysis and materials modelling capabilities. Our team, ProperTune works on using multiscale modelling for optimal computational materials design, and replacing expensive, time-consuming testing. We have spent last two decades to develop modelling tools across length and time scales together with our industrial partners and applied them to their critical components in mechanical machines and devices. With our modelling excellence, we aim to shorten the time-to-market of high-performance materials by an average of 50%. The location of this position is in Espoo.  

Read more about our research: Computational materials science applications - VTT ProperTune (vttresearch.com) 
As a Postdoctoral Researcher:  

• You have deep understanding on physical metallurgy, microstructural characteristics of materials and deformation mechanisms on metals, experience with ceramics and their composites (e.g., CerMet), and understanding of multi-scale. 
• You have recently (max 5 years ago) gained your doctoral degree, in in a relevant field, such as, materials physics or material science and engineering. 
• Working experience in the field of materials physics or materials science and proven experience on solving materials related challenges is considered as an advantage.  
• Familiar with Unix-like operating systems 
• Experience in programming / data analysis (Python, C/C++, etc.) 
• Collaborating in research team and project group with co-writing and project work 
• Participating actively in dissemination with journal publications and conferences 
• Supervising or tutoring junior team members​. 
• Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory, Finnish skills are a plus.  

The following are considered an advantage: 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and familiarity with modern related data-analysis tools  
• Analysis and using characterization data produced with methods and tools, like SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, DIC, and DSC. 
• Established networks both in academia and industry and like to widen them both nationally and globally are seen beneficial.  

As a person, we hope that you are: 

A curious mind, who is eager to develop and take on new challenges. We appreciate ambition and willingness to learn over having all the answers or skills ready when you start. You are also a team player with strong collaboration skills who wants to drive a positive impact in the world.  

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. 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 via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 30 September 2024. 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 Tom Andersson, +358 407765018 tom.andersson@vtt.fi.  

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.

Apply between 9 September 2024 and 30 September 2024 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, three-year PostDoctoral contract starting in January 2025