The research professorship in agro-ecosystem modelling is focused on northern cropping systems. The role involves studying the interactions between genotype, environment, and management, assessing the resulting crop, crop yield and ecosystem responses, and integrating these findings into environmental impact assessments.

The work should foster the development of productive, sustainable and climate-resilient northern agriculture through plant and soil modelling, and serve application areas, such as assessments of different cropping systems, development of effective and multi-functional means for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and co-production of knowledge with stakeholders.

The research professor will contribute to the development and testing of various modelling tools that address the key processes in northern cropping systems. The modelling should integrate diverse empirical data types and sources and support novel model-data fusion approaches that enhance our understanding of the key ecosystem processes.

The research professor is expected to actively develop the strategic orientation of ambitious research projects, lead the development of large-scale international project entities, build and scientifically lead a strong research group in the field of the professorship, secure long-term broad-based external funding, interact with relevant national and international stakeholders, and promote the application and dissemination of research results.

The workplace is in Jokioinen, Helsinki, Oulu or Turku.

The research professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as agronomy, applied ecology, environmental or systems sciences. The key competence of the research professor is in mastering methodologies relevant to ecosystem modelling that provide mechanistic understanding of the ecosystem processes. In addition to programming skills and comprehensive expertise of dynamic ecosystem models, we value a proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary research teams that use modelling to integrate shared knowledge and to improve scientific understanding. Experience of research carried out in boreal growing conditions and a good understanding of empirical field trial work is considered an advantage.

The position requires excellent problem-solving, communication and international scientific leadership skills, and a proven capacity to build multidisciplinary research consortia competent in raising international research funding. The candidate must demonstrate a capacity to conduct innovative and high-quality research, to build national and international research networks, and to publish in highly cited peer-reviewed international journals.

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.

Sirpa Thessler
Vice President, Natural resources
+358 295 326 582
sirpa.thessler@luke.fi

Antti Asikainen
Executive Vice President, Research
+358 29 532 3250
antti.asikainen@luke.fi

The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland

Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organisation working to promote bioeconomy and sustainable use of natural resources. We provide solutions and services to our customers based on best available scientific knowledge. Our research results and services generate added value and sustainability as well as scientific evidence to support decision making. We carry out research for example on forestry, agriculture, food, game, and fisheries, and perform also statutory services.

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 and curious and having a strong will to leave a positive mark to the world binds Luke people together. Together we build a positive working culture where each other’s work is highly respected. In Luke, the work assignments are versatile and employees can influence the content of their work. We work in a mobile work culture which gives you the possibility to work from wherever in Finland it suits you the best. Luke offers a multidisciplinary international research environment with unique research infrastructures, experimental sites and well-equipped laboratories.

Luke employs around 50 top research professors in different fields. Luke’s Professorship Policy ensures transparency, predictability and international comparability in professor recruitments. An important asset for research at Luke is the multidisciplinary, innovative and ambitious researcher community and the availability of a wide range of technical staff. Our Intercultural Community offers possibilities to share experiences and competence, and supports the development of internationality in Luke.

• More information: Please attach to the application appendices written in English, and name the files as follows (max 2 MB/appendix):
  
  APPENDIX 1. Application letter, names and contact information of 3 referees and complete curriculum vitae (including major research funding obtained, research leadership, list of supervised PhDs and postdocs, number of peer-reviewed articles, H-index, total citations and the database used, e.g. Web of Science or Google Scholar) (maximum 10 pages)
  
  APPENDIX 2: Complete list of publications including links to 10 selected publications most relevant for the professorship
  
  APPENDIX 3. Summary of research activities carried out so far, including aspects of customer interphase work; societal impact of research; dissemination of research results (maximum 2 pages)
  
  APPENDIX 4. Research plan for the next 5-year term, please use Luke’s research plan template at https://www.luke.fi/fi/documents/luke-research-plan-template-0
  
  For further information on the recruitment and scientific evaluation of Lukes research professors, please visit https://www.luke.fi/en/recruitment-and-scientific-evaluation-of-research-professors
  
  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: Possibility to work remotely
• 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: If the applicant has a permanent professorship at a university, they may be appointed to a permanent research professor position as a deviation from the fixed term appointment.
• 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 12-13 in Luke's salary system and the position-specific salary is EUR 5696,15 - 6432,37 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.