Senior Scientist, Materials Processing and Circular Solutions

Are you interested in leading large polymer circulation EU projects and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-art research facilities? 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 2400 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation.We are now looking for Senior Scientist to join our materials processing and circular solutions team.In this position, you will have the opportunity to lead large EU, Business Finland and other jointly-funded research projects and consortiums. You will manage resourcing for projects, coordinating people and overseeing the budget for the projects. Together with our team, you coordinate project preparation and proposals that help us utilize the full potential of our state-of-the-art polymer recycling pilot infrastructure. You have the opportunity to dive deep into plastics recycling technologies across the entire value chain. You will learn and share your ideas with experienced colleagues, partners and customers. And you have the opportunity to influence the development of the industry.We have a healthy work culture where you can be yourself, share your views, and improve things without fear of making mistakes - that’s what makes the work truly meaningful.-Your new Team Leader Marjaana Mussalo-Our team is located in VTT’s Industrial Chemistry research area and focuses on development of thermoplastic materials, their processing, and sensor, spectroscopy and software-enabled process control methods. The target is to create sustainable materials and products with high performance and increase circularity. We have unique pilot facilities for thermoplastic compounding, pre-industrial converting, and material characterization. In addition to these, we have unique pilot opportunities for identifying, sorting, washing and mechanical recycling of recycled materials. The Material processing and circular solutions team works in close collaboration with our customers and other research teams at VTT with business development and customer-oriented approach. The position is located in Tampere. As Senior Scientist, you will: Act as a project manager for large jointly funded projects Plan, prepare and coordinate project proposals Ensure our defined research tasks are performed on time and the results are delivered and reported with high quality.   Networking and acting as a thought leader in your area of expertise.  Communicating results impactfully in scientific publications and presentations, as well as with industry projects.  Act as a core research group member in research focusing on pretreatment methods and material processing for mechanical recycling of plastics, washing and water treatment techniques, and the application of sensor technologies. Who we are looking for: Strong Experience working as a project manager in EU projects You have a Master of Science degree in a relevant field or equivalent science experience. A doctoral degree is considered as an asset. Interest in taking forward interdisciplinary transition of plastics processing towards data driven, model-based, machine learning supported and AI-ready system Understanding of the technical, economic and sustainability conditions in polymer and plastics process technologies from lab to pilot scale Good communication skills and ability to build high value research collaboration in the area Good communication skills and ability to build high value research collaboration in the area You have proficient English language skills Experience in two of the following technologies: Plastic recycling technologies and polymer processing Washing technology, industrial washing methods and water recycling Sensor technology, AI, machine learning and data fusion As a person, we hope that you are: A proactive team player who possesses a self-driven mindset and wants to achieve high goals Detail-oriented, excited to manage plan and manage projects, socially skilled With VTT, you’ll enjoy: Visionary work in technology.  Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.  Great career opportunities, superb colleagues.  Support for your well-being. 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 23 November 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 may be conducted during the recruitment process.Interested and want to know more? For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Marjaana Mussalo Marjaana.mussalo@vtt.fi , +358400377005 on 11 November at 9-10am or 17 November at 15-16pmWe look forward to hearing from you!VTTVTT 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 80 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.Location: Tampere