Research Scientist, Finite-element Modelling

Vtt-Technical-Research-Centre-of-Finlan; Espoo; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks paid holidays

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland seeks a Research Scientist specialized in FEM to advance multiscale, multiphysics modelling of wood and bio-based materials. You will combine finite-element methods with data-driven approaches and experimental observations, working in the ProperTune Soft Condensed Materials team across international collaborations.

You will contribute to model calibration, parameter identification, and uncertainty analysis, leveraging high-performance computing and

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Computational Mechanics, Materials Science, Civil/Mechanical Eng.
• Strong FE, multiphysics, and PDE solving expertise.
• Experience with wood or bio-based materials, composites, or porous materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models for moisture transport, heat and mass transfer, and degradation in bio-based materials.
• Implement and validate finite-element and multiphysics formulations.
• Integrate model parameters from molecular simulations, imaging data, and lab observations.
• Calibrate models and assess uncertainty to improve predictive capability.
• Analyze data and collaborate with experimental and ML researchers.
• Use HPC environments and develop reusable scientific workflows.
• Contribute to open modelling tools, publications, and international projects.

Skills

Finite-element modelling

Computational multiphysics

Python or Julia

C++ or MATLAB

Uncertainty analysis

Multiscale modelling

Education

MSc or PhD in Computational Mechanics / Materials Science / Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

Julia

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Are you an expert in computational multiphysics modelling looking for a new opportunity? Would you like to develop advanced modelling methods with colleagues at the forefront of their fields and create impact in international research and customer projects? 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 Research Scientist specialized in FEM to join our soft materials modelling team

In this role, you will develop advanced multiscale and multiphysics models to predict moisture and heat transfer, biological deterioration, and the long-term durability of wood and other bio-based materials and composites, as well as the mechanics of polymers and bio-based composites. You will combine finite-element modelling, data-driven methods, and experimental observations to build and validate the project’s multiphysics modelling framework.

Our growing and diverse team, ProperTune Soft Condensed Materials, develops advanced modelling methods at the forefront of materials science and contributes to VTT’s ProperTune concept for integrated computational materials engineering. We combine computational approaches, experimental insight, and interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate materials development and create measurable impact. You will work with highly skilled colleagues and international partners while continuously expanding your own expertise.

As a Research Scientist, you will:

• Develop computational models for coupled moisture transport, heat and mass transfer, fungal growth, and degradation in wood and bio-based materials, as well as constitutive models for polymers and bio-based composites
• Implement and validate finite-element and multiphysics and multiscale formulations using experimental datasets.
• Integrate model parameters derived from molecular simulations, imaging data, and laboratory observations.
• Calibrate models, identify parameters, and assess uncertainty to improve predictive capability.
• Analyse computational and experimental data and collaborate closely with experimental and machine-learning researchers.
• Use high-performance computing environments and develop efficient, reusable scientific workflows.
• Contribute to open modelling tools, scientific publications, research reports, and international project collaboration.

Who we are looking for:

• An MSc or PhD in Computational Mechanics, Materials Science, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or another relevant field.
• Strong expertise in finite-element modelling, computational multiphysics, and the numerical solution of coupled partial differential equations.
• Understanding of moisture, heat, and mass transport in porous materials.
• Scientific programming skills in Python or Julia; experience with C++, MATLAB, or similar tools is an advantage.
• Experience in model calibration, parameter identification, and uncertainty analysis.
• Experience with wood, bio-based materials, composites, or other heterogeneous porous materials.
• Good written and spoken English and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international environments.
• Experience in multiscale modelling, physics-informed neural networks, machine learning, surrogate modelling, biological growth simulations, high-performance computing, or 3D imaging data is considered an advantage.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn, with the ability to work independently while collaborating closely across disciplines.
• Motivated to translate scientific questions and customer needs into clear modelling objectives and practical results.
• Open-minded, solution-oriented, and able to move work towards concrete outcomes within clearly defined goals.

With VTT, you’llenjoy:

• Visionary work in technology.We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering, from next-generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems, and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating a real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – Chain reaction for growth.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects locally and internationally. At VTT, you'll have state-of-the-art research facilities, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues.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. Collaborating in a cross‑disciplinary community 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.
• 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.

A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

We will process applications as they arrive.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Olli Pakarinen, [e-mail], or phone [phone]. Call times: Thursday Nov. 5th 10.00-11.00, Monday Nov. 9th 15.00-16.00.

We look forward to hearing from you!