Senior Researcher / Researcher, Material Chemistry

Are you our next creator of change?

Are you looking for a career in an inspiring, global environment where your expertise makes a difference? At Neste, you will be working for the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Together we can help our customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

We are looking for you,

Senior Researcher / Researcher

to our Analytics and Chemistry Experts (ACE) team in the Research Analytics department in Porvoo. 

You will work as a material characterization researcher in the analytics; work including catalyst and (solid) material samples analyses, project work, troubleshooting, and method development. The work is done closely with the ACE team, material and catalyst researchers in cross-functional project teams mainly from Technology & Innovation, and Production.

The ACE team consists of more than 10 knowledge field experts. In our team, the work is done independently, but support to others and collaboration is essential for our success. Together with you and your expertise, we can make an impact today and keep our promises for tomorrow.

Reasons to join

We operate in an inspiring and evolving business environment as a global leader in renewable fuels. We contribute to Neste’s success by living our values every day: we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

We prioritize safety at all times and in every location. We strive to create a positive and impactful work environment.

Transformation brings new possibilities and fosters our courage and curiosity. As a global  company, we support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities. Collaboration is key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working.

In addition, our benefits for employees in Finland include, for example, a personnel fund as part of the overall remuneration, good occupational health care, and an extensive membership in a sickness or health insurance fund. We also support leisure time activities, e.g. by offering benefits for sports and culture.

The job is located in Kilpilahti, Porvoo, which is about 30 minutes by car from the center of Helsinki. We organize free bus transportation to Kilpilahti for our employees from the capital region, Porvoo and the nearby areas.

More about the job

Your role in our team 

• Provide expertise in material and catalyst characterization 

• Work with demanding research and development activities 

• Developing and validating methods in relation to analytical equipment

• Planning and supervising laboratory work, calculating and analyzing test results

• Documenting, reporting and presenting results, findings and providing expert recommendations

• Acting responsibly according to Neste safety culture: interfering unsafe actions and reporting deviations

Keys to success in this role

• MSc or preferably a PhD in Materials Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or a related field

• For Senior Researcher position several years working experience with wide competence in substance areas

• Strong experience in inorganic chemistry, catalyst and solid materials characterization techniques including for example but not limited to 

  • nitrogen physisorption, pyridine FT-IR, mercury porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis especially (CSN) 

• Solid understanding in catalyst chemistry 

• Experience in the method development, validation and project work

• Fluent English language skills

• Responsible attitude and safety-oriented mindset

Other strengths we value

The first task will include participation especially in the selection, purchase, and deployment of a new equipment, hence experience of investments is valued. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess broad knowledge in various analysis methods, coupled with strong data processing and characterization skills. It is also good to have experience working according to international standards. Moderate Finnish language skills are beneficial since the work environment is multilingual, and in Finland.  It is also good to notice that the role may require some travel.

Let’s get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application (with a salary request) by March 3rd, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the position, please get in touch with Tia Kakko, R&D Manager +358504583953 24.2. between 2-3pm. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Due to security and confidentiality, please submit your application through our recruitment system. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

We will do our best to contact you within 2 weeks after the application time has ended. The recruitment process will include interviews and a possible aptitude assessment. The first interviews are preliminarily scheduled to take place on week 10-11. The person selected for the position must pass a health examination including a drug test. A possible security clearance is obtained with your consent.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for mitigating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company is the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, enabling its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste refines waste, residues and other renewable raw materials to high-quality renewable fuels at its refineries located on three continents. The company’s annual renewable fuels production capacity will be increased to 6.8 million tons in 2027.

Neste has high standards for sustainability and the company has consistently been recognized by several leading sustainability indices. In 2024, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 20.6 billion. Read more: neste.com