Post-doctoral researcher in chromatographic separation of biobased molecules

Do you want to advance research that supports the transition towards more sustainable processes and technologies? We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to strengthen LUT University’s work on the chromatographic separation of bio-based molecules. In this role, you will be part of a growing separation science community in Lahti, conduct both fundamental and applied research, and help develop new ideas and future directions in sustainable separation technologies.

 What your work will be like 

Your work will focus on advancing chromatographic separation of biobased molecules through modelling, simulation, experimental chromatography, or a combination of these approaches, depending on your background. You may design and analyse separation processes, develop data-driven or AI-assisted tools, or generate high-quality experimental data that supports method development, modelling, and machine learning. 

You will work as part of an active research team, participate in research projects, publish your findings, and help steer future research. Your responsibilities include supervising bachelor’s and master’s theses, supporting doctoral researchers, and taking part in teaching during the academic year. 

You will also have the opportunity to participate in an upcoming AI-enabled research initiative where new data-driven tools and modelling concepts will be developed for separation process design. As the position is new to our research programme, your expertise will play a role in defining its focus areas and methods. 

The role involves on-site work on LUT’s Lahti campus for laboratory activities and close collaboration with the research team.  

What we expect from you  

To succeed in this role, you should have a solid understanding of separation processes beyond the analytical scale and a genuine interest in developing them further through modelling, simulation, or experimental chromatography. Your experience from your dissertation research enables you to work independently on scientific tasks and contribute actively to collaborative projects. 

The position requires a doctoral degree (PhD or DSc) in chemical engineering, bioprocess technology, food processing technology, or a closely related field as well as the ability for independent scientific work and teaching skills. Experience in advanced chromatographic separation processes (e.g., SMB chromatography and recycling schemes) and separation process development is preferred. 

We welcome applicants with a background in either modelling and simulation or experimental chromatography. Experience in coding, data-driven approaches, or AI is considered an advantage, and interest in exploring how AI can support separation science is highly appreciated even without prior experience. 

We value initiative, good communication skills, and the ability to work constructively with colleagues from different backgrounds. Proficiency in English is essential, as it is the working language of the group. Finnish skills are not required. 

We encourage active publishing, with a typical goal of three to four high-quality publications per year. In addition to achieving publication targets, we value scientific creativity: exploring new ideas, proposing innovative methods, and developing approaches beyond established practices. 

What we offer you  

You will be part of a collaborative, international research community with strong expertise in separation science and access to advanced laboratory and modelling infrastructure. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research profile, contribute to long-term research initiatives, and work in an environment that values curiosity, innovation, and scientific ambition. 

You will be based in Lahti. We apply a flexible hybrid approach to work, requiring on-site presence for laboratory work and meetings. The position also includes travel between LUT’s campuses and occasionally to international conferences. 

The position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours for research and teaching staff under the collective agreement for universities. Working hours are flexible and support work–life balance. 

The position is full-time, with a fixed term of two years and the possibility of extension for an additional two years. A six-month trial period applies. The work starts as soon as possible, and the start date is negotiable.  

The pay is based on the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff, requirement levels 5–6. The starting salary is approximately EUR 4,200–4,900 per month, depending on your experience and qualifications. 

Interested? Please submit your application through the link below by 14 December 2025 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC+2). We will review applications on a rolling basis. 

For more information about the position, call Professor Tuomo Sainio at +358 40 357 8683 on 27 November between 12:00 and 13:30 or 10 December between 09:30 and 11:00. You can also contact him by email at tuomo.sainio@lut.fi.  

Apply by filling out the online form and attach the following documents in English or Finnish and in PDF format: 

• a cover letter with a short description of your interest in AI-driven separation process development (max. 1 page)
• a curriculum vitae (max. 5 pages) 
• a copy of your doctoral degree certificate; if the original documents are not in English, we require official certified translations into English 
• a complete list of publications  

Read more about LUT as an employer.   

Information for international staff   

LUT University    

LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT’s campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global.   

Lut.fi/en  

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.   

Tagged as: Research, development & R&D