Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors, and more than 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

FinnCERES is a joint competence center for the materials bioeconomy between Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, funded by the Research Council of Finland’s Flagship Programme. We aim to ensure our sustainable future by developing materials and applications for the future bioeconomy with a solid scientific foundation.

We are looking for a motivated Master’s thesis student to join the FinnCERES Flagship at Aalto for the following project:

Master’s Thesis Position: Supply Chain Optimization for Valorization of Lignocellulosic Waste in Finland

Are you inspired by the potential of turning underutilized resources into high-value bio-products? We are seeking an ambitious master's thesis researcher to join our endeavor in optimizing the supply chain for lignocellulosic waste and side streams across Finland. This project focuses on developing an optimization model to evaluate the utilization of lignocellulosic streams and conversion technologies.

Your Role and Goals

As part of your thesis work, you will explore key research questions:

• Which currently underutilized lignocellulosic feedstocks in Finland can be processed into high-value products, through which technologies, and what is the current industrial maturity of these processes?
• What are the optimal lignocellulosic biomass flows in a Finnish bioeconomy model including the optimal selection of facility locations and technologies?

Your tasks will include:

• Conducting a comprehensive literature review to identify viable lignocellulosic feedstocks and evaluate related conversion processes.
• Developing and applying an optimization model focused on sustainable biomaterial usage, incorporating biomass sourcing, transportation dynamics, facility placement, and technology choice for biorefineries.
• Implementing mathematical optimization models using tools such as GAMS, Pyomo or JuMP.
• Performing scenario and sensitivity analyses.
• Identifying potential bottlenecks and providing insights on advancing a sustainable bioeconomy in Finland.

Your Network and Team

You will be supervised by Professor Iiro Harjunkoski, with guidance from Doctoral Researcher Kaapo Kopra. You will be part of the Process Systems Engineering research group at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. While your primary collaboration will be within the core project team, the broader academic environment within FinnCERES offers valuable opportunities for informal exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Your Experience and Ambitions

• Solid academic background in chemical engineering or a related field, with proven academic success.
• Understanding of the basics of process systems engineering and/or the role of industrial supply chains helps you to succeed in your work.
• Experience in optimization modeling and/or familiarity with tools such as GAMS, Pyomo or JuMP is an advantage.
• Motivation to engage in systematic analysis of future biorefinery networks and development of innovate tools to support optimal decision-making.

What we offer:

• This five-month master's thesis position provides a unique opportunity for you to contribute to shaping the future of Finland's bioeconomy through groundbreaking research. You will gain hands-on experience in supply chain optimization, work alongside leading experts in the field, and have the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainable practices within the industry.
• Opportunity to work in an engaging and inspiring community of world-class bio-based materials researchers and professionals passionate on development of new sustainable solutions. At Aalto, students are rigorously selected and highly motivated, leading to an exceptionally interactive and intellectually challenging atmosphere.
• We have a flexible modern work culture. We value the balance and well-being of work and leisure in all aspects of life.
• We offer you an interesting job in an inspiring work environment. You will be able to work in a community where we promote socially significant goals in science and education. We will familiarize you with your tasks and you will be part of a nice and competent team that will provide you with support for your work tasks also in the future. We encourage and offer opportunities for continuous development of your own expertise.
• The expected starting date in the position is 1st January 2026 (at latest on 9th January 2026). The employment contract for a M.Sc. thesis will be for five months at full-time capacity.
• The salary for a master’s thesis student is approximately 2500 EUR/month in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities.

Student selection criteria

The supervisor will make the selection of the student based on the set criteria:

• Ability to commit to work full time for 5 months starting in January 2026
• Completion of all courses by the end of 2025 (max 5 ECTS remaining)
• Average grade of at least 3.5
• Alignment of the topic with the student’s academic and professional interests, ensuring motivation and engagement.

A suitable candidate must be currently enrolled as a master's degree student at Aalto University.

Ready to apply?

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system no later than 7.11.2025 by using the link on Aalto University’s webpage (“Apply now”). If you are an Aalto employee or visitor, please apply via the Workday system (internal jobs). To apply, please include the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• CV
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)
• Study transcripts

Any questions?

For more information about the role, please contact Professor Iiro Harjunkoski (iiro.harjunkoski@aalto.fi) or Kaapo Kopra (kaapo.kopra@aalto.fi) by email.

We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.

Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period, reopen the application process, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

For questions about application process, please contact HR Advisor Kristiina Hallaselkä, who can be reached by e-mail at firstname.surname(at)aalto.fi

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