Post-doc Research Associate in Food Engineering (Fixed-term) – Helsinki, Finland

VTT is one of the leading research organizations in Europe. What unites us at VTT 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 is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World. 

We are now looking for a Post-doc Research Associate in Food Engineering, to join our Grain Processing team.

As a Post Doc you will be working in close collaboration with the research team, focusing on the processing of plant-based materials into functional ingredients and innovative foods. In this position, you will have a key role in in developing new technologies and processes as a part of the research team.

You will be working on technological solutions from lab to pilot scale to ensure that various food ingredients and products are a palatable, sustainable, and attractive part of healthy diet. We work for creating a sustainable, carbon neutral food system together with the multidisciplinary experts of VTT. In addition to plant-based food solutions, we harness biotechnology for food production and make use of the various side-streams and natural resources for the benefit of future sustainable food system.

With us, you will be responsible for: 

• Building the excellence in VTT sustainable food system challenge, operating in fractionation and functionalization of plant-based ingredients and foods
• Brining your expertise in food processing, unit operations and food chemistry into the designing of new processing solutions
• Participating in research projects and conducting research linking processing of plant-based ingredients and foods into the quality and safety properties
• Disseminating results in scientific platforms
• Participating multidisciplinary projects

Who we are looking for:

Your profile and background:

• Completed PhD degree in food protein science and processing technology
• Practical and theoretical experience in food processing and process design
• You have experience in processing of plant-based materials, including processes such as extraction and separation technologies

It’s an advantage if you also have:

• Knowledge on plant polymers
• Understanding the R&D needs of food industry

As a person, we hope that you are:

• A good team worker with good communication skills
• Pro-active by attitude and passion for disruptive food research. You have ambition to turn research into the practical solutions
• Strong in academic writing, reporting and presenting
• Able to work independently on the set targets. You are organized and able to manage projects
• Comfortable in working in multi-disciplinary and international teams
• Eager to learn and go beyond obvious and willing to further develop your expertise

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 solving 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 own professional skills. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.  
• 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 get to witness and influence the future of science and technology as it happens.
• Career and learning opportunities. As a scientific expert organization, we put a lot of emphasis on learning and development and support our people in reaching their full potential. People tend to stay at VTT for more than 10 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 great team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work–life balance. We offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programs and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.

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 24th April 2022. We will process applications as they come in.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Pekka Lehtinen, pekka.lehtinen@vtti.fi, +358 40 534 6421

Location: Espoo, Finland.

Apply between 1 April 2022 and 24 April 2022 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, fixed term 18 months

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 over 75 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT – beyond the obvious.