At Luke, we are looking for a Research Professor to lead research on Arctic sustainable and resilient livelihoods, focusing on solutions for the responsible and equitable use of natural resources to strengthen sustainability, resilience and well-being.
The arctic environments and their natural resources have a high importance to local societies and national and global stakeholders. Companies and actors representing different sectors, including forest industry, energy production, mining, tourism as well as primary production, are planning investments that simultaneously utilize and have various kinds of effects on local livelihoods and communities as well as sensitive natural resources of these areas.
The Research Professor explores and develops solutions that use Arctic natural resources in an economically, ecologically, socially and culturally optimal way that enhances the overall sustainability, resilience and well-being of communities. The research work recognizes the importance of social license to operate (SLO) among companies, e.g. through actions in corporate social responsibility (CSR), and applied to all livelihoods to strengthen both competitive advantage and meet the needs of indigenous peoples and other residents in Arctic areas. The developed solutions and operating models support responsible utilization of renewable Arctic natural resources.
Our expectations of the applicant
The research professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) must hold a doctorate in environmental social sciences or a closely related field and demonstrate expertise in factors affecting operations in the Arctic. The role requires internationally recognized scholarship, a strong publication record, and a proven ability to lead end-to-end research and development initiatives—from needs assessment to implementation and real-world application.
We expect the research professor to steer the strategic, interdisciplinary direction of ambitious projects and to build large project portfolios. The candidate should have established international networks and collaborate actively in Finland and abroad, with a strong record of leading international projects, securing external funding, building attractive research environments, and communicating results effectively. Assets include experience in multidisciplinary teams, supervision of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and collaboration especially with entrepreneurial stakeholders.
We offer you
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.
Clarifications
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.
Contact Information
Jani Lehto
Vice President, Bioeconomy and Environment
+358 40 830 4435
jani.lehto@luke.fi
Antti Asikainen
Executive Vice President, Research
+358 29 532 3250
antti.asikainen@luke.fi
How to apply
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.
The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland
Organisation
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.
Location
Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi
Locations
You can work at one of our following locations
Rovaniemi
Ounasjoentie 6
96200 Rovaniemi
Position information
Other information of the position
- 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. - 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 5 696,15 – 6 432,37 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.
