Postdoctoral Researcher, Machine Learning & Cheminformatics

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. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher, Machine Learning & Cheminformatics, to join our Rise to Challenge project Q-GEN: Quantum computing applications for future genomes and biomaterials.

In this two-year postdoctoral position, you will develop a data-driven screening workflow for biomaterial design. The workflow will combine molecular representations, machine learning, physics-based supercomputer simulations, and experimental data to predict how chemical modifications influence and structure the properties of wood-based biopolymers. The resulting methods will be used as classical baselines for comparison with emerging approaches in quantum computing. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of experts from chemistry, mathematics and physics, collaborating closely with a dedicated group of quantum physicists who will design and run the quantum algorithms.

Our Bioinspired materials team develops novel biomass-based materials and applications and seeks new ways to valorise wood-based materials beyond the traditional pulp and paper industry. In the Q-GEN project, we work with partner organisations that include experts from genomics, synthetic biology, foresight and ethics, and focus specifically on developing new materials for the bioeconomy.

“This is a genuinely new way of developing biomaterials. Instead of using computational simulations to explain what has already been observed in the laboratory, we are now using them to explore and identify promising material combinations before experiments begin. Bringing machine learning, physics-based simulation and quantum computing into the development of forest biomaterials opens up an exciting new research landscape.”
— Mikko Mäkelä, Research Professor

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Develop machine learning methodologies to predict biopolymer properties from molecular representations, physics-based simulations, and experiments.
• Interpret results together with chemists and physicists and help experimental researchers by identifying promising candidates for wet-lab experiments.
• Establish and validate classical baselines for comparison with quantum computing.
• Collaborate with experts in quantum computing, genomics, synthetic biology, foresight and ethics across partner organisations.
• Communicate results through scientific publications, project reporting and presentations.
• Contribute to new project ideas and future research proposals in chemical and material informatics.

Who we are looking for:

• You have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, data science, machine learning, chemical or material informatics, or a closely related discipline. Your doctoral degree was completed no more than five years ago.
• You have strong practical experience in data-driven modelling and at least one of the following: molecular representations, quantitative structure-activity relationships, or chemical or material informatics.
• You can work with molecular representations and connect molecular structure to measured or simulated material properties.
• You have strong programming skills in Python or a comparable scientific programming language, and can develop documented and reproducible computational workflows. Experience with cheminformatics tools, such as RDkit, is considered an advantage.
• You have a strong scientific track record relevant to the position and the ability to produce high-quality scientific outputs.
• You communicate fluently in English and are comfortable working in an international, multidisciplinary research environment.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Curious and eager to learn, with an open mindset towards new scientific fields and methods.
• A collaborative team player who can build common understanding with people from different disciplines and perspectives.
• Proactive and accountable: you take ownership of moving work forward, deliver on your commitments and communicate openly when plans need to change.
• Motivated to build networks and develop new research ideas together with colleagues and external partners.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering, from next-generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems, and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating a real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – Chain reaction for growth.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects locally and internationally. At VTT, you'll have state-of-the-art research facilities, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• 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.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and answer the pre-screening questions including a list of your three most relevant publications & a brief explanation of their relevance to this position, via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 8 November 2026. We will process applications as they come in and may fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research professor Mikko Mäkelä 23.10. Friday 12-13, 27.10. Tuesday 12-13 or 30.10. 12-13, 050 598 0361

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 19 October 2026 and 8 November 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, 2 years Fixed term Postdoctoral position

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 thinking beyond the obvious, we drive growth, renewal and resilience.

VTT – beyond the obvious