Master's Thesis Worker, Cellulose based functional materials
Are you all about science and technology? Would you like to work in a meaningful role with real responsibility and excellent learning opportunities? Do you want to work with superb colleagues who are experts in their field to drive a sustainable future and tackle the greatest challenges of our time? 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 2400 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra .
We are looking for a Master’s thesis worker to join the project on cellulose based opacifiers development to enable circular economy and green transition for the industry – join us and let’s make an impact together!
How can a renewable, wood-based material be engineered into a low-carbon alternative to conventional mineral pigments? As a thesis worker, you will explore how the microstructure and functionality of cellulose can be tailored to create light-scattering materials with real industrial relevance. Your work will contribute to developing scalable, sustainable solutions that support the transition away from fossil- and mineral-based raw materials.
You will be working as part of the 16-member Chemical and Polymer Synthesis team, which is part of Industrial Chemistry research area. Our team is developing low carbon renewable materials, chemicals and fuels.
Your responsibilities as Master's Thesis Worker
The work includes a literature review and experimental trials with an aim to develop cellulose-based alternatives to Titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this project, you will get an opportunity to deepen your skills and know-how in the development of cellulose-based materials with different structural morphologies and functionalities. Experimental work will include handling of cellulose pulp, laboratory trials and analytics. Summary and conclusions of the experiments will be the basis of the M.Sc. thesis
Who we are looking for
You are in the advanced stage of academic studies in chemistry or chemical engineering. Good skills in the processing of scientific results and reporting are necessary to successfully complete the M.Sc thesis project.
You would also benefit from the following:
What we offer you:
Please send your CV and application via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 16 March 2026.
Interested and want to know more?
For more information about the position, you can contact:
We look forward to hearing from you!
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 80 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.
Location: Otaniemi, Espoo
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 2400 brilliant minds from 60 different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra .
We are looking for a Master’s thesis worker to join the project on cellulose based opacifiers development to enable circular economy and green transition for the industry – join us and let’s make an impact together!
How can a renewable, wood-based material be engineered into a low-carbon alternative to conventional mineral pigments? As a thesis worker, you will explore how the microstructure and functionality of cellulose can be tailored to create light-scattering materials with real industrial relevance. Your work will contribute to developing scalable, sustainable solutions that support the transition away from fossil- and mineral-based raw materials.
You will be working as part of the 16-member Chemical and Polymer Synthesis team, which is part of Industrial Chemistry research area. Our team is developing low carbon renewable materials, chemicals and fuels.
Your responsibilities as Master's Thesis Worker
The work includes a literature review and experimental trials with an aim to develop cellulose-based alternatives to Titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this project, you will get an opportunity to deepen your skills and know-how in the development of cellulose-based materials with different structural morphologies and functionalities. Experimental work will include handling of cellulose pulp, laboratory trials and analytics. Summary and conclusions of the experiments will be the basis of the M.Sc. thesis
Who we are looking for
You are in the advanced stage of academic studies in chemistry or chemical engineering. Good skills in the processing of scientific results and reporting are necessary to successfully complete the M.Sc thesis project.
You would also benefit from the following:
- Interest and passion for research work
- Hands-on laboratory experience in areas of cellulose processing, both chemical and mechanical or analytics
- Excellent written and good spoken English
- Prior experience with paints, coatings and/or cosmetics is a plus.
What we offer you:
- Impactful work for the future. As a leading applied research organisation, we are on a mission to bring exponential hope to the world by joining together people, businesses, science, and technology. We tackle the biggest challenges of our time – from climate change and resource sufficiency to industrial renewal and smart healthcare – and turn them into sustainable growth.
- Career opportunities, top-level mentors. At VTT, early-career professionals' skills are appreciated and supported with the opportunity to learn from the top experts in their field. You’ll get to discover our community of over 2400 experts representing more than 55 nationalities working across cutting-edge fields of science and technology.
- Meaningful projects, real responsibility. At VTT, emerging talents can take on meaningful research projects or support researchers' work. We treat emerging talents as equals and give you real responsibility from the start. VTT is a caring employer that supports your growth and work-life balance and offers a range of well-being services.
Please send your CV and application via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 16 March 2026.
Interested and want to know more?
For more information about the position, you can contact:
- Muhammad Mujtaba, Senior Scientist, Chemical and Polymer Synthesis, e-mail: muhammad.mujtaba@vtt.fi or tel. +358 50 479 24 70 on 27 February 13:00–14:00 Finnish time, or:
- Alexander Reznichenko, Research Team Leader, Chemical and Polymer Synthesis, e-mail: alexander.reznichenko@vtt.fi or tel. +358 50 3464653 on 9 March 11.00–12.00 Finnish time.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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 80 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.
Location: Otaniemi, Espoo