Finnish Food Authority is looking for a postdoctoral researcher at the Risk Assessment Unit to address the risk of vector transmitted animal diseases and plant pests for Finland, at present and in the future climate.
This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes in Finland. The Programme is funded from the Finnish long-term research and development (R&D) 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 R&D competence in areas important to society and business. Postdoctoral researchers will drive impactful, high-level research bridging science, industry, and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.
Climate change is likely to widen the potential geographical range of several insect and mite species that transmit animal diseases or plant pathogens or that are plant pests as such. Also, the potential of vector transmitted animal diseases and plant pests to cause damage in Finland is likely to increase due to climate change.
To prepare for these risks, we need to assess the likelihood of spread of these organisms to Finland and the suitability of the Finnish climate to them, both at present and in the future climate. The postdoctoral researcher will work on these assessments, and the work will contribute to research-based contingency planning for vector borne animal diseases and plant pests.
The work can be partly done using existing models (such as CLIMEX and MoPSi). However, also method development is needed, especially related to the parametrisation of the models based on uncertain and diverse information.
Scientific publishing of the developed methods and the assessment results is an essential part of the duties. Also, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to co-operate with risk managers (i.e. the users of the project outputs) throughout the project, and to contribute to the application of further research funding.
Finnish Food Authority is looking for a postdoctoral researcher at the Risk Assessment Unit to address the risk of vector transmitted animal diseases and plant pests for Finland, at present and in the future climate.
This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes in Finland. The Programme is funded from the Finnish long-term research and development (R&D) plan.
Climate change is likely to widen the potential geographical range of several insect and mite species that transmit animal diseases or plant pathogens or that are plant pests as such. Also, the potential of vector transmitted animal diseases and plant pests to cause damage in Finland is likely to increase due to climate change.
To prepare for these risks, we need to assess the likelihood of spread of these organisms to Finland and the suitability of the Finnish climate to them, both at present and in the future climate. The postdoctoral researcher will work on these assessments, and the work will contribute to research-based contingency planning for vector borne animal diseases and plant pests.
The work can be partly done using existing models (such as CLIMEX and MoPSi). However, also method development is needed, especially related to the parametrisation of the models based on uncertain and diverse information.
Scientific publishing of the developed methods and the assessment results is an essential part of the duties. Also, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to co-operate with risk managers (i.e. the users of the project outputs) throughout the project, and to contribute to the application of further research funding.
The applicant is expected to have a relevant doctoral degree in natural sciences, e.g. entomology, ecology or mathematical biology. A maximum of 5 years must have passed since the completion of a doctoral degree. A longer period may be accepted for specific reasons such as parental leave, military service, or civil service.
The successful candidate will have
• knowledge of insect ecology
• mathematical modelling skills and (preferably) familiarity with the programming language R
• high motivation to learn new skills, innovate and solve problems
• evidence of scientific publication skills as the leading author
An ideal candidate will also have experience in modelling of insect dispersal and/or climatic suitability analysis and Bayesian statistics. Previous involvement in acquiring research funding will be considered as merit. The position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- English
- Speaking: Excellent
- Writing: Excellent
- Understanding: Excellent
Risk assessment unit has nearly 25 years of history in risk assessment of the food chain, i.e., risk assessments of plant health, infectious animal diseases and microbiological and chemical food safety. Our task is to facilitate research-based risk management decisions, and we carry it out with high scientific ambition.
The person selected for the position might need to undergo concise 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.
Salla Hannunen (+358 40 350 9075), salla.hannunen(a)ruokavirasto.fi
Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.
Finnish Food Authority registry
PL 100
00027 Ruokavirasto
kirjaamo@ruokavirasto.fi
The Finnish Food Authority works for the good of humans, animals and plants, supports the vitality of the agricultural sector, and develops and maintains information systems.
The Authority operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and its head office is located in Seinäjoki. The Finnish Food Authority’s activities cover the entirety of Finland, and the Authority employs almost one thousand experts and professionals in nearly 20 locations.
Location
Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki
You can work at one of our following locations
Mustialankatu 3
00790 Helsinki
Other information of the position
https://tulanet.fi/postdocs/
