AI has been proven to be superhuman decision maker in controlled environments when unlimited data is available, it has been argued that we are entering the Era of Experience. Reaching superhuman intelligence requires models that can continually learn from experience and current AI methods perform best in situation where nearly unlimited data is available.

How can benefit from this new paradigm in food production? Collecting data from field, greenhouse and experiments is slow and costly, we cannot rely on agents requiring hundreds of thousands of attempts to find an efficient strategy. An emerging solution is offline-to-online learning – an AI agent will first be trained offline based on existing experimental data (imitation learning) or dynamic simulation model (learning in simulation) and will iteratively learn to adapt decisions in real experiments (online).

This Postdoc position will focus on developing methods for offline learning from our historical datasets and find strategies to efficiently transfer the learned model to be refined in online environments. Further, efficient methods for automatically designing new field experiments guided by human knowledge will be developed.

This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes in Finland. The programme is funded from the Finnish government's multi-annual research and development (R&D) funding plan. The programme recruits 85 new postdoctoral researchers to 12 Finnish government research institutes between 2025 and 2028. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen RDI competence in areas important to society and business. Postdoctoral researcher will conduct goal-oriented high-level research at the interface between the academic community, industry, and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.

The selected candidate will join Luke’s doctoral and postdoctoral programme, which coordinates, develops, and monitors the professional development and academic qualification of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

• Recently completed doctoral degree (typically no more than 5 years ago) from relevant field
• Competence in developing and applying deep neural network models
• Proven ability to publish in high-quality scientific journals
• Strong programming skills in at least one numerical programming language such as Python, R, Julia, C++ or Matlab and expert knowledge on at least one deep learning software framework.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work independently

Expertise in Agriculture or Horticulture, agentic AI and deep reinforcement learning methods are seen as an advantage.

The well-being of our people and a positive approach towards innovation and development are particularly important to us. Our mobile work model allows you to work in Finland in the location most appropriate for your work. In addition, we provide flexible hours, and as your employment with us continues, long vacations. We offer lunch benefits, as well as sports, culture, or commuting support.

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.

Matti Pastell
Research Professor
+358 29 532 6121
matti.pastell@luke.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
• 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 8-9 in Luke's salary system and the position specific salary is EUR 3704,31-4124,89 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.