Master’s Thesis Worker: Innovation for Green Transitions - collaborating to advance the utilization of ammonia

Master’s Thesis Worker: Innovation for Green Transitions - collaborating to advance the utilization of ammonia

Aalto Design Factory is an interdisciplinary hub for collaborative product development education, research and practice, bringing together diverse stakeholders. We explore novel formats and insights on practices in development collaboration and interdisciplinary education for innovation through teaching, research, and development projects. Located in Espoo, Finland, the Design Factory is part of Aalto University and the Design Factory Global Network.

We are seeking a master's thesis worker (100%) from May to November 2026 (6 months). In this role, you will join the multidisciplinary AINA (Ammonia Energy Conversion and Social Acceptance) project with Finnish industry, examining collaboration between stakeholders, idea acceptance and advancement in the context of developing sustainable energy solutions.

Expected Outcomes:

The qualitative thesis will explore bottlenecks and opportunities for co-development of ammonia-based solutions with clients. The expected outputs of the thesis include:

• The thesis will review relevant literature to produce a state-of-the-art review of social acceptance and development processes within green transitions
• The thesis will map, interview and analyze select collaborative project examples and development practices from AINA industry partners such as YARA, Wärtsilä, Andritz Elomatic, Elcogen and Convion
• The project also includes reporting to the consortium through different formats

Only master’s students at Aalto University can apply.

We especially welcome students from programmes related to:

• Product Development
• International Design Business Management (IDBM)
• Environmental or Energy Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

The ideal candidate should:

• Have analytical and research skills
• Be interested in green transitions and the co-development of solutions within this space.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and dedication to research work
• Be able to participate actively in meetings and provide weekly progress updates
• Be the final stage of their master’s studies, with most or all coursework completed (preferred).
• Be fluent in English (Finnish and Swedish are beneficial but not required).

Schedule

The thesis can begin as soon as possible.

Funding is available for 6 months of full-time work, although the thesis may extend to 8 months if conducted part-time. The thesis must be submitted for evaluation before the end of 2026.
 

What We Offer:

The thesis will be conducted at the Aalto Design Factory, under the supervision of prof. Tua Björklund, with advising from the immediate supervisor Dr. Vikki Erikson.

The student will receive:

• Direct supervision and step-by-step guidance during the thesis process
• Networking opportunities with industry partners through research activities
• Salary and employment benefits for the thesis work

Recruitment Process

Please submit a one-page motivation letter, your CV and a list of completed courses in Workday by May 10th 2026

We are following a two-phase recruitment process in this position. Applications will be screened as they come in, with select candidates being invited to an in-person interview at the Design Factory in May 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time (UTC +2).

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

For more Information

For further inquiries about the position, please contact Dr Vikki Eriksson at vikki.eriksson@aalto.fi. For recruitment system questions, please contact our HR Advisor Paula Thomsson-Levä at paula.thomsson-leva@aalto.fi.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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About Aalto University

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 over 13,000 students, 400 professors and more than 4,000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.

At Aalto, high-quality research, art, education and entrepreneurship are promoted hand in hand. Disciplinary excellence is combined with multidisciplinary activities, engaging both students and the local innovation ecosystem. Our main campus has developed into an open collaboration hub that encourages encounters between students, researchers, industry, startups and other partners. Aalto University was founded in 2010 as three leading Finnish universities, Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki, were merged to strengthen Finland’s innovative capability.

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