Senior/Research Scientist, Metals and Materials Recovery

VTT; Finland; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT is seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist to join the Metals and Materials Recovery team in Finland. You will plan and conduct hydrometallurgical research, turning ideas into practical, industry-relevant solutions, from desktop studies to pilot-scale validation, collaborating with customers and multidisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes techno-economic assessments, strong scientific curiosity, and collaboration to drive sustainable metals and materials recovery solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in hydrometallurgy with relevant research or industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of hydrometallurgical unit processes, including solvent extraction or ion-exchange.
• Experience in planning and conducting experimental research and interpreting results.
• Ability to combine scientific research with techno-economic assessments.
• Experience in preparing research projects or proposals for publicly funded or customer-funded work.
• Professional English skills, both written and spoken.
• Python programming knowledge is an advantage; TEA and electrochemistry backgrounds are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct hydrometallurgical research and pilot-scale validation.
• Develop process concepts from desktop studies to laboratory testing.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary collaboration and communicate results clearly to stakeholders.
• Apply techno-economic assessments into the research and publication workflow.
• Work with customers to translate needs into research questions and practical solutions.
• Contribute to safe, high-quality research practices in the team.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Experiment design & analysis

English proficiency

Programming basics

Education

Master's or PhD degree in hydrometallurgy or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company VTT Research Field Agricultural sciences » Other Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Chemistry » Other Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Technology » Energy technology Technology » Environmental technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 8 Nov 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Are you looking for a new opportunity in hydrometallurgy in an organisation that strongly supports professional growth? Would you like to use your expertise to develop sustainable metals and materials recovery solutions while working in an inspiring community at the cutting edge of science and technology? Do you enjoy turning research ideas into practical solutions together with customers and multidisciplinary teams? 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. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our Metals and Materials Recovery team.

As a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist, you will plan and conduct hydrometallurgical research and help turn promising ideas into practical, industry-relevant solutions. Your work will combine experimental research, project preparation and customer collaboration with opportunities to contribute from early desktop studies to pilot-scale validation.

Our Metals and Materials Recovery team develops hydrometallurgical and mechanical separation processes for low-grade and complex ores, concentrates, wastes and secondary raw materials, including spent batteries. Based at the Circular Raw Materials Hub laboratory and Hydrometallurgy pilot hall in Bioruukki, Espoo, the team works closely with industry to create applicable solutions that minimise waste and environmental impact while improving resource and energy efficiency.

As a Senior Scientist, you will:

• Contribute to publicly funded research project proposal preparation and direct sales efforts.
• Develop process concepts from desktop studies towards laboratory testing and pilot-scale validation.
• Plan, conduct and interpret hydrometallurgical experiments.
• Apply techno-economic assessments into the research and publication workflow, supporting concept development and decision-making.
• Work closely with customers to understand their needs and translate them into relevant research questions and practical solutions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary collaboration and communicate research ideas and results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to safe, high-quality and forward-looking research practices in the team.

Who we are looking for:

• A relevant master's or PhD degree and research or industry experience in hydrometallurgy.
• Strong knowledge of hydrometallurgical unit processes, from leaching to recovery, in particular solvent extraction and/or ion-exchange.
• Experience in planning and conducting experimental research and interpreting results.
• Ambition in combining scientific research and techno-economic assessments.
• Experience in preparing research projects or proposals for publicly funded or customer-funded work.
• Ability to understand customer needs, build networks and present complex ideas convincingly.
• Professional English skills, both written and spoken.
• Prior programming knowhow and familiarity with Python is considered an advantage. Industrial background in TEA is considered a strong advantage. Practical background in electrochemistry is considered a strong advantage.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Proactive, collaborative and able to see the bigger picture. You are socially perceptive, confident in networking and negotiation, and comfortable presenting ideas to different audiences. You combine scientific curiosity with an innovative and practical mindset, bringing people together and advancing relevant ideas towards real-world application.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Work with a strong purpose. At VTT, you’ll get to use your professional expertise to help solve the greatest challenges of our time through science and innovation. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating solutions for systemic and technological challenges, such as reaching carbon neutrality and creating superior digital systems. At VTT, you’ll get to do your part in driving this meaningful change through your professional skills. Read more about our strategy, Chain reaction for growth , and our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• An inspiring community. VTT houses all the cutting-edge fields of innovation, from quantum technology to synthetic biology, under one roof. As a professional at VTT, you’ll witness and influence the future of science and technology as it happens.
• Career and learning opportunities. As a scientific expert organisation, we emphasise learning and development and support our people in reaching their full potential. People stay at VTT for more than ten years, as we offer opportunities to develop and grow into new responsibilities. If you’re curious, ambitious, and willing to learn, VTT is the place to take your career to the next level.
• 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.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Antti Porvali, [e-mail] , [phone] (Inquiries by phone on 24.10. at 9-10 and 3.11. at 11-12)

Employment type: Full-time, Fixed term 1 year parental leave replacement

VTT

VTT is a forerunner in research, development and innovation, and one of Europe’s leading research organisations. We develop cutting-edge technologies and transform them into growth together with our customers and partners. Our solutions address the greatest challenges of our time while creating sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing.

With more than 80 years of experience, we accelerate the journey from innovation to impact. By thinkingbeyond the obvious, we drive growth, renewal and resilience.