The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is looking for a Research Scientist, aquaculture technology, for a 3-year position.

This postdoc position is part of the 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. A 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 person will also take part in Luke's Doctoral Programme, which coordinates, develops, and monitors the qualification of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.

Main responsibilities of the post doc research scientist include developing salmonid aquaculture technologies, e.g., diminishing nutrient discharges to meet environmental regulation demands. Salmonids are mostly produced in marine net cages, where new technological solutions are being studied and piloted towards semi-closed systems. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) farming is increasingly employed as controlled production technology, also to capture nutrients and utilize them elsewhere in food production. Technic and economic feasibility of such technologies requires further research. In addition to these focus areas, work can be aligned with applicant’s competence and areas of interest.

The research will be carried out in collaboration with other research institutes, universities and companies both in Finland and internationally. The research also makes extensive use of the multidisciplinary expertise of Luke's different research groups. The work also includes preparing funding applications and acting as project manager in the coordination of research projects. The nature of the task requires travel in Finland (approximately 5 travel days/month) and abroad (approximately 5 travel days/year).

In this task you can work in diverse and high-quality aquaculture research environments. You will also have the opportunity to cooperate extensively with different research organisations and companies, and to use your own networks in research development. You will be supported by Luke's excellent working community and cooperation networks.