Research Scientist/Senior Scientist (Geoenergy Research)

At GTK, we aim to work for the Earth and for Us. We conduct objective research to find solutions to challenges posed by climate change, the energy transition, and the circular economy. Our 400 experts are specialists in the mineral economy, green energy, water management, the environment, and digital solutions. Together with our Finnish and global partners, we are building sustainable and carbon-neutral future. GTK is a research organization governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. www.gtk.fi/en

Research Scientist/Senior Scientist (Geoenergy Research)

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is looking for a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist for geoenergy research for the Energy and Construction Solutions unit. Your office is Kokkola, Espoo, Kuopio or Rovaniemi. Geoenergy research equipment is situated in Kokkola and Espoo. You can also work remotely partially in Finland. Your responsibilities relate to domestic and international research and development activities in geoenergy, as well as client assignments. You will design and carry out surveys, measurements, and modelling to assess the production potential of geothermal energy and bedrock gases, as well as data processing and method development. Your role will also include project management tasks, planning research and projects, conducting client negotiations, preparing budgets and proposals, and high-quality reporting of results.

As part of our RDI projects, you will also produce scientific peer-reviewed publications and present research results to stakeholders both in Finland and internationally. You will design and deliver training in geoenergy as part of our collaboration projects. Depending on your expertise and professional development, the role may also include applying for domestic and international research funding and working in international projects, both remotely from Finland and through occasional business travel abroad. Depending on the selected candidate’s education and experience, the title and responsibilities may correspond to the level of Research Scientist or Senior Scientist.

You will be working in the Energy and Construction Solutions unit, which consists of around 45 experts specialising in areas such as final disposal of nuclear waste, site selection, geothermal energy, gas potential of the bedrock and research methods (particularly hydrogen), as well as engineering geology. The geoenergy group you will be joining currently includes 10 specialists.

Education, experience and skills expected of the applicant

• A relevant Master’s degree in geosciences or another applicable field. A doctoral degree in geosciences or a relevant field is expected for the Senior Scientist position.
• Strong practical experience in geoenergy projects or research
• In-depth understanding of thermogeological processes in geothermal energy production at different depths and across various production methods
• Ability to apply your geoenergy expertise in a geological environment similar to Finland
• Experience in project planning and management
• Experience in planning client assignments and/or applying for research funding. For the Senior Scientist position, experience in applying for research funding is expected.
• At the Senior Scientist level, we additionally expect relevant scientific peer-reviewed publications from the past five years.
• Willingness to travel as needed for fieldwork and project meetings, both domestically and internationally, approximately 4 weeks to 3 months per year
• Fluent written and spoken English skills

Education, experience and skills that are appreciated

• Scientific publications on topics relevant to the research area
• Experience in applying and developing geoenergy measurement methods and tools
• Experience in applying optical fiber methods in natural sciences
• Skills in artificial intelligence and programming, particularly in Python
• Proficiency in Finnish

Personal qualities desired from the applicant

You have the ability and willingness to take responsibility for challenging tasks and to develop yourself into an international expert in geoenergy. You are able to drive things forward efficiently in a dynamic and multifaceted working environment. You enjoy teamwork and are motivated to develop work collaboratively within networks.

What we offer

GTK is an international and diverse work community where everyone’s input is valued. Our employees have the opportunity to influence their own work and work remotely in Finland. At GTK we are committed to renew our operations and expertise. We take care of our employees’ wellbeing with our wide range of activities that support wellbeing at work. In addition, we offer central government holiday benefits and a modern and multi-location work, such as flexible working hours. Find out more about us: www.gtk.fi/en/careers-at-gtk/

Information about pay

The total salary at the beginning of employment will be EUR 4414 – 5352 per month. The salary is determined by the competence of the person selected for the position.

Other details

The position is permanent. The starting date is 12.8.2026 or by agreement. The position includes a probationary period.

For further information, please contact your future supervisor Nina Leppäharju, tel. +358 29 503 2285 reachable on 8.6. at 13-14 EEST and on 10.6. at 13-14 EEST or Chief Expert Teppo Arola tel. +358 29 503 2207 reachable on 10.6 at 9-10 EEST and on 12.6. at 13-14 EEST. You may also contact us by email at firstname.lastname@gtk.fi.

We consciously advance the diversity and equality of our staff, so we encourage many kinds of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Our work community is made up of more than 20 different nationalities, which is one example of our diversity.

Please send your application with your motivation letter and CV through the valtiolle.fi-service latest on 15.6.2026 at 16:15 (EEST), using service key 21827.

The interviews are scheduled to take place in late June.

Please note that names of the applicants and the applications with attachments are public.

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