Research Associate, Physical Analytics

Your role

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join the Physical Analytical Laboratory in Analytical Development. This is a hands-on laboratory role to support both research and development projects as well as quality control and lifecycle management of products.

Responsibilities

- Perform different kinds of physical analytics of drug substances and excipients. This will include e.g. XRD, DSC, TGA, DVS, Raman and laser diffraction particle size analysis as well as microscopic and specific surface area measurements
- Develop and validate physical analytical methods
- Accurately document and review physical analytical results for scientists
- Take care of separately defined laboratory and equipment responsibilities

You will be located in Espoo, Finland. This is a full-time, temporary position covering a family leave and requiring on-site work. The preferred start date is late November or early December and the employment is expected to last for about a year.

What you can expect from us

You will join a great team of highly motivated and experienced colleagues that are fun to work with. The Research Associate position offers an interesting view across different stages of drug development, from early research to product lifecycle management. You will be introduced to your tasks thoroughly.

At Orion Pharma, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. ​ ​ Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

What are we looking for?

- Ability to work in a laboratory is essential in this position
- A relevant degree from the University of Applied Sciences, e.g. Bachelor of Laboratory Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Laboratory Technique or Vocational Qualification in Laboratory Technology
- Hands-on experience in physical analytical instrumentation techniques (e.g. XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, Raman, specific surface area, particle size by laser diffraction, SEM and other microscopes) is an advantage
- Knowledge of GMP working principles
- A strong commitment to occupational safety is important
- Proficiency in basic computational tools and ability to learn new systems quickly
- Fluency in English and Finnish (both written and verbal)
- Excellent interaction and team working skills, with the ability to work effectively and accurately as a supportive team member

How to apply

Are you interested in this opportunity? Please send your application and CV by October 18, 2026. We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.

For additional details, do not hesitate to contact Sanna Peltoniemi, Head of Analytical Development, Tel. +358 50 966 3697 on Friday, October 2, from 8 am to 9 am, Monday, October 5, from 10 am to 11 am or on Thursday, October 8, from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Your new team

Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.

Analytical Development provides analytical services for Orion R&D projects in both the discovery and development phases. Also physical quality control belongs to the team's responsibilities. Main tasks include analytical methods development and analyses for chemical entities and drug formulations. Physical Analytical Laboratory is part of the Analytical Development and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Orion R&D.