Senior Scientist, Hydrometallurgy & 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

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.