The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) is recruiting a fixed-term Researcher for the period 1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027.

The position focuses on applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to support environmental monitoring, with a particular emphasis on the processing and analysis of remote sensing and geospatial datasets.

You will participate in current research projects related to habitat monitoring, the development of geospatial datasets, and the advancement of biodiversity data production. Your responsibilities will include research and development work within projects, data processing and analysis, literature and information searches, report writing, programming, and data quality assurance. You will collaborate with other machine learning specialists and work as part of multidisciplinary project teams. In addition, you will independently manage smaller work packages. The position offers an opportunity to develop new methods and apply them in environmental information production.

As part of the Method development team within the Information Quality of information unit, you will join a supportive and highly skilled group of experts. Our core expertise focuses on the development and application of remote sensing, machine learning, and molecular biological monitoring methods to support evolving environmental monitoring programmes. Team members are currently based in Helsinki and Oulu. Syke also has offices in Jyväskylä and Joensuu. You may express your preference regarding your work location.

A suitable master's degree or advanced-stage university studies in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, or another natural science discipline, will provide the best foundation for success in this role. You may be a recent graduate or in the final stages of completing your studies.

We value an interest in applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial methods in research, creative problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn.

We expect you to have:
- Programming skills in Python
- Understanding of machine learning methods or statistical modelling techniques
- A proactive and solution-oriented approach to work
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Accuracy and a systematic way of working
- Interest in research and development activities.

The following will be considered an advantage:
- Experience in processing geospatial and remote sensing data
- Experience in applying deep learning methods
- Linux and command-line skills
- Familiarity with cloud or HPC platforms
- Experience in scientific writing or working in research projects

The position requires a good command of English.

Syke has a culture that supports learning and offers the opportunity for versatile competence development. We have flexible working hours and flexible remote working practices. We offer sports and culture benefits, subsidised lunch in contract canteens and comprehensive occupational health care.

Tiina Laamanen
Group manager
029 525 1795, available by phone on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:00.
tiina.laamanen@syke.fi

Finnish Environment Institute registry

Latokartanonkaari 11
00790 Helsinki, Finland

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) is a national research institute dedicated to building a sustainable society through science, knowledge, and services. Our research and development work is solution-driven, and we pursue high-impact results with ambition. We operate multidisciplinarily and collaborate extensively with partners in Finland and around the world.

We work to halt biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change, and improve environmental quality. Our research develops innovative solutions to sustainability challenges across energy systems, food systems, production systems, land use, and the built environment. We place strong emphasis on the fairness, acceptability, and economic sustainability of the green transition, as well as societal security and resilience. We recognize that meaningful sustainability transitions require coherent and long-term policy action.

Syke encourages creativity and experimentation, especially when developing new research-based solutions. We value constructive collaboration, diversity, and inclusive working practices. Approximately 650 researchers and experts work at Syke’s offices in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. A significant share of our work is enabled through competitive project funding.

• More information: Interviews are planned to be held during the week 38.
  
  Fairness, responsibility, community, independence, and reliability are our core values. We actively promote diversity and equal opportunities and welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds.
  
  Syke is committed to comply with the national open science policy in researcher recruiting. Syke is also committed to the responsible evaluation of research and have defined the principles for evaluating research at Syke.
  
  Additional information:
  Web pages: www.syke.fi
  Instagram: @sykeresearch
  Linkedin: Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
• Description of the remote work: We work in a hybrid work model with remote work in Finland, and perform on-site work at Syke’s premises at least eight days a month according to Syke’s guidelines.
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Additional info about fixed-term employment: Fixed-term position (parental leave cover)
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Working time format explanation: flexible working hours
• Trial period: The post has a 4-month probationary period.
• Remuneration information: Depending on your qualifications and experience, the total monthly salary will be between €3,553 and €4,424. The position is classified at demand level 9-10 in Syke’s salary system, with a task-specific salary component of €3,158-3,484 per month. In addition, a personal performance-based salary component will be paid.