Research Professor in Climate, Nature and Resilience Economics

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

Location: Helsinki, Oulu or Joensuu, Finland
Employment: Temporary, 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2032 or according to contract
Remote work: Possibility to work remotely within Finland
Salary: Approx. EUR 6,550 – 7,718 per month
Application deadline: 28 September 2026 at 16:00 EEST
Position ID: 23586

About the position

We seek a Research Professor in Climate, Nature and Resilience Economics at Luke to advance research on climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources, food systems, land use and the bioeconomy through economic modelling.

Global environmental and economic changes such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pressures on natural resource use require societies and value chains to adapt. Environmental, geopolitical and market shocks increasingly disrupt food systems, land use and the bioeconomy.

The Research Professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) leads high-level research on the economics of climate change, biodiversity loss and natural resource use, with a focus on food systems, land use and the bioeconomy. You will examine how environmental, geopolitical and market shocks affect sustainable resource use, and how policy, investment and governance can strengthen adaptation and resilience in conditions of uncertainty.

A key part of the work is the development and application of advanced economic modelling using dynamic, stochastic and other quantitative approaches to analyse trade-offs, policy coherence and welfare impacts. The research generates policy-relevant knowledge to support climate- and nature-resilient transitions at national, EU and international levels, integrating environmental, economic, social and geopolitical perspectives.

Your profile

• A doctoral degree in economics.
• Extra merit for a resource and/or environmental economics focus and expertise relevant to climate change, biodiversity, natural resource use, food systems, land use or the bioeconomy.
• Profound understanding of analytical economics and related methodology.
• Advanced economic modelling skills, including dynamic, stochastic and other quantitative approaches under uncertainty, are especially appreciated.
• Experience in machine learning and other AI methods is an advantage.
• Familiarity with the bioeconomy, its core policies and stakeholders is beneficial.

What Luke offers

• A multidisciplinary international research environment with unique research infrastructures, experimental sites and well-equipped laboratories.
• A mobile work model allowing work from the most appropriate location within Finland, together with flexible working hours.
• Lunch benefits and support for sports, culture or commuting.
• A strong research professor community and transparent, internationally comparable professor recruitment practices.

Salary and employment conditions

The position is at complexity level 12–13 in Luke’s salary system. The position-specific salary is EUR 5,696.15 – 6,432.37 per month. In addition, a personal performance component of up to 50% may be paid. For a new employee, this component generally falls in the range of 15–20%, depending on competence and experience. The applicant may also present a separate salary request.

The trial period is half the duration of the employment contract, but no longer than six months. The selected person may be subject to standard security clearance vetting, sanctions checks and, where applicable, a background check.

Application

Applications must be submitted by 28 September 2026 at 16:00 EEST. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Please include the following attachments:

• Appendix 1: Application letter, names and contact information of three referees and complete CV, including major research funding obtained, research leadership, supervised PhDs and postdocs, number of peer-reviewed articles, H-index, total citations and database used (maximum 10 pages).
• Appendix 2: Complete list of publications, including links to 10 selected publications most relevant to the professorship.
• Appendix 3: Summary of research activities carried out so far, including customer interface work, societal impact and dissemination of research results (maximum 2 pages).
• Appendix 4: Research plan for the next five-year term using Luke’s research plan template.

About Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organisation promoting the bioeconomy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Luke provides solutions and services based on scientific knowledge and carries out research in areas including forestry, agriculture, food, game and fisheries, as well as statutory services. Luke operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.

Contacts

Jani Lehto
Vice President, Bioeconomy and Environment
+358 29 532 2370
jani.lehto@luke.fi

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

Original vacancy and application

https://valtiolle.fi/en/jobs/research-professor-in-climate-nature-and-resilience-economics-23586/