Senior Scientist

We are looking for a Scientist to join our Weather Research and Technology at Vaisala headquarters in Vantaa, Finland. Join us in this pivotal role, where your expertise in Optics will drive innovative measurement solutions for future applications! 

 

Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence helping industries, nations, people, and the planet to thrive. From predicting hurricanes to optimizing renewable energy production, our technology is used where it matters the most – from data centers, windfarms and laboratories to airports, the Arctic and even the surface of Mars. Our team of over 2,300 experts and 59 nationalities around the world is committed to taking every measure for the planet. Driven by our shared purpose, curiosity, and pioneering spirit, we stay ahead and make a difference. At Vaisala, you don't have to fit in to belong.  

 
Why join us? 

 

• Pioneering work. In this role, you will shape our development, utilizing your profound expertise in Optics to craft groundbreaking measurement solutions tailored to diverse and demanding applications. 
• When stakes are high. Our solutions provide the most accurate and reliable measurements around the globe and on Mars. 28% of us work in R&D creating science-based innovations that endure the extremes. To stay ahead of the game, we invest around 13 % of our net sales in research and development. 
• Leading performance, not location. Our culture is trust-based. We treasure face-to-face collaboration with our colleagues, but hybrid work and flexibility are the new norm for us. 

 

What's your role? 

 

You will be part of our Science team of world-class professionals. Together with the team, you will have an excellent opportunity to participate on developing our optical solutions, which is one our core technology used for example in our atmospheric profiling instruments to measure cloud height, humidity and wind, as well as in our precipitation, air quality, and road weather sensors. In this role you will be working in close co-operation with product development projects as well as with product management, engineers, designers, and other scientists. The role can be adjusted based on the background of the applicant – from junior scientist to senior scientist. You will report to Team Leader, Science. 

 

As a Scientist you will: 

• Contribute to the product creation process in a (junior/senior) scientist role. This could include design work but also hands-on lab work, validation of results, and creation of science-based material intended for customer use. 
• Work together with our world-class experts to learn “technology owner” level core insights into how measurement instruments work.  
• Conduct and manage research-based feasibility studies in coordination with other scientists in an effort to evaluate the potential of completely new technologies and their application. This typically includes designing and constructing proof-of-concept prototypes and deploying them at field. It also includes interacting with e.g. product managers to link business needs and potential new technologies, and end-to-end thinking. 
• Conduct data analysis to resolve issues and enhance product performance by design choices, for example to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the received measurement signal. 
• Document research-related outcomes through project reports, white papers, and articles and participate in scientific conferences and seminars to link external disruptions to Vaisala possibilities.  
• Potentially act in a “Science lead” or “Lead designer” type of role in productization projects. This could, for example, contain guiding the work of others together with the project manager. 

 

What will you bring? 

 

• MSc (Tech.) or DSc degree in optical technologies with experience of atmospheric measurements is preferred. Based on the applicant’s skill level, the position can be adjusted towards more junior or senior role. 
• Knowledge of optical design, at least from visible to near infrared, with focus on applications in atmospheric remote sensing, like lidar and DIAL. This could, for example, include experience from some or several of the following areas: designing of optical systems involving light sources, lenses and detectors, optical simulations, front-end electronics, photonics-related mechanics. 
• Understanding of the methods and procedures for conducting scientific research. 

• Fluent skills in using optical design programs, such as Zemax, and programming languages, such as Matlab or Python. Solid written and communication skills. 
• With more experienced / senior background, the capability to approach topics holistically and from the end user