Portfolio Lead, Microelectronics and photonics

Karlstad University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT is seeking a Portfolio Lead for the Microelectronics and Photonics research area in Espoo. You will own the portfolio strategy, align research with commercial opportunities, and drive impact by connecting researchers, business teams and external partners.

You will lead IP planning and develop infrastructure to support scientific renewal, customer needs and long‑term impact, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in a strong domestic ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in microelectronics, photonics, electrical engineering, physics or related field.
• Strong understanding of research, innovation and technology development environments.
• Experience in developing and managing strategic portfolios, programmes or research initiatives.
• Deep understanding of microelectronics and photonics technologies including chip design, fabrication and related research infrastructure.
• Commercial mindset with experience in IP or technology transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the strategic roadmap of the Microelectronics and Photonics research portfolio with key stakeholders.
• Take ownership of the portfolio as a strategic whole and evaluate emerging technologies, trends and market developments.
• Ensure portfolio activities support strategic objectives, commercial potential and long‑term impact.
• Lead IP and IPR planning at a strategic level.
• Develop and utilise research infrastructure to support renewal and customer impact.
• Prioritise technologies for technology transfer, market readiness, or spin‑off creation.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Customer Operations and Launchpad teams to advance commercialization and R2B activities.
• Build stakeholder relationships and communicate the portfolio vision, roadmap, and insights.

Skills

Portfolio management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Innovation commercialization

IP/IPR planning

Research infrastructure understanding

Education

Master's degree or PhD in microelectronics/photonics/electrical engineering/physics

Job description

Portfolio Lead, Microelectronics and photonics

Are you interested in microelectronics and photonics technologies and looking for a new job 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 work at the interface of academia and industry and contribute to turning science into impact? 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 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Portfolio Lead to join our Microelectronics and Photonics research area.

As Portfolio Lead, you will take holistic ownership of the Microelectronics and Photonics research portfolio and lead its strategic development. You will align research activities, commercial opportunities and VTT’s long‑term ambitions. Working with Research Professors, business development professionals and project teams, you will strengthen portfolio impact, IP creation and the transfer of research outcomes into practical applications and business opportunities.

Our Microelectronics and Photonics research area works with customer segments including telecom, consumer electronics and space, from fast‑growing start‑ups to leading international brands. At Micronova in Espoo, we are part of a strong domestic ecosystem of more than 20 microelectronics companies operating in the cleanroom jointly run by VTT and Aalto University, the largest R&D semiconductor cleanroom in the Nordic countries.

• Lead and develop the strategic roadmap of the Microelectronics and Photonics research portfolio with research area's key stakeholders responsible for scientific renewal.
• Take ownership of the portfolio as a strategic whole and evaluate emerging technologies, trends and market developments in microelectronics and photonics.
• Ensure that portfolio activities support VTT’s strategic objectives, commercial potential and long‑term impact targets.
• Lead IP and IPR planning in strategical level.
• Lead the strategic development and utilisation of research infrastructure to support scientific renewal, customer needs and long‑term impact.
• Prioritise technologies for technology transfer, market readiness, existing business opportunities or spin‑off creation.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Customer Operations and Launchpad teams to advance commercialisation and Research‑to‑Business activities.
• Build stakeholder relationships and communicate the portfolio vision, roadmap, progress and insights internally and externally.

Who we are looking for:

• You have a Master’s degree or PhD in microelectronics, photonics, electrical engineering, physics or another relevant field.
• You have a strong understanding of research, innovation and technology development environments.
• You have demonstrated ability to develop and manage strategic portfolios, programmes or research initiatives.
• You have a deep understanding of microelectronics and photonics technologies and their future development opportunities, including chip design, fabrication and related research infrastructure.
• You combine strong business acumen with a commercial mindset.
• You have experience in innovation commercialisation, technology transfer, IP or related activities.
• You understand research infrastructure development and its role in enabling scientific excellence and customer impact.
• You have excellent stakeholder management, collaboration, influencing, analytical and decision‑making skills.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• A strategic and forward‑looking thinker who can see the bigger picture while balancing short‑ and long‑term priorities. You are curious, collaborative and influential, comfortable making decisions and leading without direct line management authority. You work proactively towards results and communicate effectively with both scientific and business stakeholders.

Apply between 7 September 2026 and 23 September 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: full time

For further information, please contact Executive Vice President Erja Turunen, [emailprotected]

Job details

Title

Portfolio Lead, Microelectronics and photonics

2026-09-23 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki) 2026-09-23 22:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2026-09-23 (Europe/Helsinki)

VTT's task is to advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society.