Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors, and more than 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

Aalto University’s School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), is now looking for a

Staff Scientist in Biotechnology

Are you passionate about bioengineering and looking for a possibility to make an impact in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering?

We are looking for a scientist with the ambition to develop the biotechnology and bioprocess research laboratories of the department, and to support peers and students from various backgrounds. You should have expertise in biotechnology or a related field and ideally be familiar with modern bioengineering concepts as well as bioanalytics (flow cytometry, HPLC, mass spectrometry). In addition to supporting others, you are encouraged to pursue your own research and to collaborate with the Bio2 research groups. Via the LIBER center of excellence, FinnCERES materials bioeconomy competence center, and Bioinnovation Center, you have excellent possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The scientific environment and the available characterization tools will enable you to make scientific developments in the fields of biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.

Your role and goals

Your role is to carry out independent research and manage the biotechnology laboratories, including organizing laboratory safety and maintenance. You will have the lead equipment responsibility of flow cytometry (FACS), mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF), and other laboratory devices (FPLC, CD, plate readers, spectroscopy, bioreactors etc.), as well as the acquisition of new instruments. You will organize user training, support our researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data, advise students, and take part in teaching.

As a successful candidate you will have at least selected prior experience of the highlighted techniques/concepts as well as a demonstrated interest and capability to acquire external project funding for your research. You will be expected to engage in collaboration with the biotechnology and bioprocess experts at Aalto, related industrial partners and other institutes.

Scientific Environment

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2) is at the forefront of biotechnology and cutting-edge forest products technologies. The department uses its interdisciplinary approach to carry out fundamental and applied research in biosystems engineering and develop innovative products and solutions for applications ranging from biomaterials, catalysis, biomedicine, energy and construction.

Some of our research activities at CHEM include microbial physiology, bioprocess engineering, biochemistry, biomolecular materials, biohybrid materials, enzyme technology and cell engineering. The school has a unique and comprehensive set of instruments for molecular biotechnology and bioprocesses and significant new investments coming up through the FIN-BioFoundry FIRI Roadmap funding.

Your experience and ambitions

We look for applicants who have:

• Doctoral degree and research experience in biotechnology, (bio)chemistry, bioprocess engineering, or related field.

• Expertise in advanced bioanalytical methods, including FACS and mass spectrometry.

• Good written, oral, and communication skills, ability to communicate with scientific peers and the public.

• Demonstrated interest and capability to acquire external project funding.

• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Experience in teaching and training is considered a merit.

What we offer

We offer an opportunity to participate in developing biotechnology and bioprocess engineering in an inspiring environment. You will work together with the faculty to support academic functions such as teaching and applying for funding.

We initially offer a fixed-term position for 3 years, with the expectation of continuing in a permanent position. Salary is determined according to the salary system of Aalto University. Our facilities are located at Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland. The planned starting date is August 2025 or later depending on the availability of the candidate.

The employment contract includes occupational health care, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities, commuter ticket benefit and Unisport offers versatile exercise services with staff discount.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through the link on our recruitment system (“Apply now”) at the latest on 27.04.2025.

To apply, please submit the following application materials (in English and combined in one single pdf file):

• A motivation letter outlining how your skills and expertise align with the advertised position (1 page)

• A CV detailing hands-on teaching / training experience and including the contact information of 2-3 references (1-2 pages)

• A description of previous equipment responsibilities and experience (1-2 pages)

• A research statement describing your scientific goals and ambitions (1-2 pages)

• A list of publications with the three most important publications highlighted

If you are an Aalto employee, please apply via Workday system (internal jobs) using your existing Workday user account.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Mauri Kostiainen (mauri.kostiainen(at)aalto.fi). In recruitment-related questions, please contact HR Partner Noora Katisko (noora.katisko(at)aalto.fi).

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future. You can also check out our webpage about Aalto and Finland Careers at Aalto | Aalto University and check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well- organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland   

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