Finnish Food Authority is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Risk Assessment Unit. The position focuses on food safety risk assessment combined with benefit assessment.
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.
Risk-benefit assessment (RBA) is crucial when decisions affecting food consumption may have simultaneous effects on microbiological and chemical hazards as well as on nutrient intake. Conducting comprehensive risk-benefit assessments requires the continuous development of assessment methods, both internationally and in situations specific to Finland. For example, the guidance document of the European Food Safety Authority on risk-benefit assessment of foods only covers chemical risk-benefit assessments. International research is progressing with many RBA applications, from which Finland can also benefit by participating in the development. The work will build on already published assessments where the Risk Assessment Unit of Finnish Food Authority has been a partner.
The postdoctoral researcher will be developing methods for comparing chemical and microbiological risks using DALY metrics and investigating other alternative metrics and approaches for comparison of different types of health effects occurring at different timescales. Inclusion of zoonotic effects can be a possible addition, depending on the field of the postdoctoral researcher’s doctoral thesis. We anticipate that the work will involve comparing and combining top-down (population attributable fraction to effects) and bottom-up (exposure and dose response) assessments in risk comparisons. The postdoctoral researcher will also be responsible for collecting data and applying methods to selected food groups, hazards, risks, and benefits.
Scientific publishing of the developed methods and the assessment results is an essential part of the duties. The postdoctoral researcher is also 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 recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Risk Assessment Unit. The position focuses on food safety risk assessment combined with benefit assessment.
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.
Risk-benefit assessment (RBA) is crucial when decisions affecting food consumption may have simultaneous effects on microbiological and chemical hazards as well as on nutrient intake. Conducting comprehensive risk-benefit assessments requires the continuous development of assessment methods, both internationally and in situations specific to Finland. For example, the guidance document of the European Food Safety Authority on risk-benefit assessment of foods only covers chemical risk-benefit assessments. International research is progressing with many RBA applications, from which Finland can also benefit by participating in the development. The work will build on already published assessments where the Risk Assessment Unit of Finnish Food Authority has been a partner.
The postdoctoral researcher will be developing methods for comparing chemical and microbiological risks using DALY metrics and investigating other alternative metrics and approaches for comparison of different types of health effects occurring at different timescales. Inclusion of zoonotic effects can be a possible addition, depending on the field of the postdoctoral researcher’s doctoral thesis. We anticipate that the work will involve comparing and combining top-down (population attributable fraction to effects) and bottom-up (exposure and dose response) assessments in risk comparisons. The postdoctoral researcher will also be responsible for collecting data and applying methods to selected food groups, hazards, risks, and benefits.
Scientific publishing of the developed methods and the assessment results is an essential part of the duties. The postdoctoral researcher is also 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. chemistry, microbiology or mathematics/statistics. 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
• mathematical modelling skills and (preferably) familiarity with the programming language R
• high motivation to learn new skills, innovate and solve problems
• ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• evidence of scientific publication skills as the leading author
An ideal candidate will also have experience in risk-benefit assessment or food safety risk assessment, toxicology and/or 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
Your work will contribute to increasing the health of consumers by development of models which can be used to prioritize food safety risk mitigation measures. Risk assessment unit has more than two decades of experience on models and tools on food safety risk assessment, which can also be partially utilized in the risk-benefit assessments.
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.
Jukka Ranta (+358 40 489 3374), jukka.ranta(a)ruokavirasto.fi
Johanna Suomi (+358 40 822 5629), johanna.suomi(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 Helsingfors
Other information of the position
https://tulanet.fi/postdocs/
