The Doctoral Researcher will carry out doctoral research in accordance with the project’s research plan. The aim is to investigate the reproductive system of Scots pine and the high mortality of seed embryos during early developmental stages.
The main research topics are inbreeding depression and possible self-incompatibility mechanisms affecting embryo viability. We will use advanced methods, such as spatial transcriptomics, to investigate gene expression in seeds under different conditions and at different developmental stages. We will also compare natural embryo development with somatic embryogenesis, as well as the factors affecting these. The aim is to understand how mutation, purifying selection and adaptive evolution influence embryo viability, which may improve seed quality and enhance forest regeneration.

The Doctoral Researcher’s role in the project’s sub-studies will be determined partly by the person's skills and interests, as the project will employ also Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki.

The project is being carried out jointly by the University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be employed by Luke, while supervision related to the doctoral degree will be provided by the University of Helsinki (Professor Pyhäjärvi, https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/forest-genomics ). The selected person will apply separately to the university’s doctoral programme.

The position requires regular on-site presence and participation in field and laboratory work. Field trials will be conducted at Haapastensyrjä in Loppi and at seed orchards, while laboratory work will take place in Helsinki and, for somatic embryogenesis, at Savonlinna.

We expect applicants to hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (for example, agriculture and forestry, biology or genetics).

The position requires knowhow and/or an interest in evolutionary biology and molecular genetics, as well as laboratory skills. Experience with molecular biology methods, microscopy and plant tissue culture is an advantage. Bioinformatics and computational skills are also considered an asset.

Due to the collaborative nature of the project, strong teamwork and communication skills are essential. Excellent written and spoken English is required.

The position also requires the ability to participate in field measurements and sampling; therefore, a category AB driving licence is an advantage.

The person selected for the position might need to undergo standard security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Tuija Aronen
Group Manager, Luke
+358 29 532 4233
tuija.aronen@luke.fi

Tanja Pyhäjärvi
Professor, University of Helsinki
+358 29 415 7976
tanja.pyhajarvi@helsinki.fi

The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland

Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organisation that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources. We create knowledge-based solutions and services for our customers and add value to a sustainable and competitive business based on renewable natural resources. We also support public policy making related to natural resources and the resource economy.

Luke's tasks and organisation are regulated in the Act on the Natural Resources Institute Finland (561/2014). Luke is operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.

Being open-minded, curious, and having a strong will to make a positive impact in the world bind Luke people together. We value our diverse working community consisting of people with different backgrounds and cultures and promote equality. On this basis, we are building a cheerful and respectful culture in which everyone’s input is appreciated. Sustainability is included in all our operations.

• More information: Each person selected will undergo a sanctions check based on compliance with international and national sanctions obligations. In addition, a background check may be carried out on the selected person to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the person if they do not have Finnish citizenship.
• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Full-time or part-time remote work
• Description of the remote work: Mobile work is used at Luke. This means that work is performed where it suits best. Mobile work is only possible within Finland, and the practices of mobile work are agreed with the supervisor. We also meet regularly face-to-face.
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Additional info about fixed-term employment: "Thousand Ways to Die —evolutionary and molecular background of excessive early developmental mortality in Scots pine” project
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Trial period: The trial period is half the duration of the employment contract, but not exceeding six (6) months.
• Remuneration information: The position is at complexity level 6 in Luke's salary system and the position specific salary is EUR 3105,30 per month. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance will be paid (max. 50% of the position specific salary). A new employee's personal performance component depends on competence and experience and generally falls in the range of 15-20 %. The applicant may also present a separate salary request.