Research Scientist, AI/ML for Structural Materials

VTT; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Helsinki seeks a Research Scientist to develop innovative solutions in the construction sector. You will leverage AI to enhance concrete performance, work collaboratively with researchers, and engage in multidisciplinary projects to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2035. The ideal candidate holds a relevant master's degree and has significant experience in AI/ML applications. Join us and be part of a visionary team driving sustainable growth.

Benefits

6 weeks of paid holidays annually

Exercise and culture benefits

Hobby clubs and well-being services

Qualifications

• Experience in AI/ML and concrete construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge of machine learning algorithms and statistical methods.
• Related scientific publications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Developing solutions for infrastructure-related topics from structural and material perspectives.
• Designing and testing ML solutions for structural material challenges.
• Preparing project plans, applications, and managing projects.

Skills

Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or C++

Experience with AI and ML libraries

Good skills in data extraction and visualization techniques

Knowledge of Linux and High Performance Computing

Experience in multidisciplinary teams

Education

MSc or higher degree in civil engineering, materials engineering, computer science or applied artificial intelligence

Job description

Overview

Are you a visionary problem-solver ready to shape the future of infrastructure? Join us to pioneer AI-driven solutions for concrete and materials, collaborate with top researchers and customers, and lead multidisciplinary innovation - locally and globally. 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. 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 looking for a Research Scientist to join our Structural materials team!

The Structural materials team develops and applies methodologies and tools for research and development needs in the building materials and civil engineering sector. The team is developing solutions for the construction sector to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2035 through building material innovations and promotes full circularity of structural-based building materials and components through new re-processing, re-cycling and re-use concepts. We aim to increase concrete structure\'s longevity through digitalisation and ageing management solutions. To our clients we offer tailored material formulations and performance optimisations for new and existing structures in support of the transition to a greener economy.

Responsibilities

As Research Scientist, you will:

You will be responsible for developing solutions for infrastructure related topics from both a structural and material perspective. You will be working closely with our researchers and customers and building up networks with other research organisations both in Finland and internationally. Internal cooperation at VTT is important to your work and available multidisciplinary technologies, especially high throughput data from new testing facilities, monitoring systems are at your disposal. You will design, develop, study and test ML solutions to solve diverse structural material challenges. Part of your work will include the preparation of project plans, applications and offers. Depending on your own interests and competences, you may have a role as project manager where you will be supervising other scientists and technicians, taking care of schedules, financing, and developing customer relations.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is passionate about leveraging AI to discover and translate cementitious materials and structural concrete performance into solutions for improving knowledge in design, optimization and decision support for novel and sustainable construction materials. The candidate should also possess demonstrated experience in the area of AI/ML and concrete construction, including, but not limited, to mechanical/durability performance of concrete, predictive maintenance, infrastructure deterioration, etc., and have a MSc or higher degree in relevant fields such as civil engineering, materials engineering, computer science or applied artificial intelligence. Related scientific publications are a plus. Excellent communication skills in English are required, and Finnish is strongly valued.

In order to succeed in this position you need

• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or C++
• Experience with AI and ML libraries and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, scikit-learn) and strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, and statistical methods
• Good skills in extraction of data from structured/unstructured text, images or experimental measurements (knowledge or statistics-based). Experience in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and data visualization techniques
• Demonstrated knowledge of Linux and High Performance Computation environments
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams within commercial and academic projects is highly appreciated

As a person, we hope that you are

Open-minded problem-solving team player who will be keen to participate actively in progressing common goals. You should be a sales-oriented person and be interested in new topics to be able to combine different competences. You get energy from challenges and are able to handle several tasks simultaneously. You can work independently but enjoy also working with colleagues having a different cultural background and/or competence. You have good communication skills and respect the work of your colleagues.

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 2000 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. A combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects keeps your career path interesting.
• 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 other versatile services aiming to support your occupational wellbeing.

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 5 of October 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 Miguel Ferreira,

[e-mail].

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 8 September 2025 and 5 October 2025 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

VTT

VTT 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 in cutting-edge research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT - beyond the obvious.