Luke is seeking a Research Professor to lead the development of sustainable and profitable future food value chains. In this role, you will contribute to wellbeing and competitiveness through food chain innovations and strengthen food system resilience.  

Job description

The Research Professor will lead, develop, and direct research focusing on the diverse renewal of food system value chains for a sustainable and profitable future. Central to the position are the efficient utilization of raw materials from boreal food production in food and feed solutions, as well as value chain innovations that support healthy and climate-neutral diets. The role requires a deep understanding of key processes in the food supply chain and the ability to integrate circular economy and cellular agriculture solutions for resource recovery and the use of sidestreams.

The Research Professor will promote broad collaboration between research, industry, and policymaking at both national and international levels. They will also secure competitive research funding. The position includes the supervision of early-career researchers within research projects.

Research Focus Areas

• Efficient utilisation of raw materials in food and feed solutions to support the food  system’s sustainability transition.
• Innovative renewal of food value chains for holistic sustainability and a resilient boreal  food production system.
• Integration of circular economy solutions and cellular agriculture into food system  processes, resource recovery, and utilisation of sidestreams.
• Development of new value networks based on food value chains to support economically viable and environmentally sustainable food production.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

• Scalable innovative food value chains that accelerate the transition to sustainable and competitive boreal food production.
• Resource-efficient processes and circular economy solutions that reduce the food  system’s environmental footprint.
• Diverse food value chains and networks that strengthen the food system’s resilience and adaptability.
• A stronger position for Finland and Europe as leaders in sustainable food production.

The workplace is in Jokioinen or Helsinki.

Our expectations of the applicant

The Research Professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) is required to hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as food sciences. 

We are seeking a candidate with international recognition and:

• A deep understanding of key food supply chain processes.
• Experience in developing food value chains and value chain innovations.
• Expertise in the specific characteristics and resource efficiency of boreal food production.
• Knowledge of circular economy and cellular agriculture solutions and their integration into
  the food system.
• A strong track record of scientific publications, leading multidisciplinary research in
  national and international projects, and acquiring external research funding.
• Existing national and international collaboration networks and the ability to build strong
  networks between research, industry, and policymaking.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement.
   
  Experience in working in the food industry, expertise in technoeconomic assessments, and experience in developing business ecosystems are considered an advantage.

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

Anu Kaukovirta
Vice President, Production systems
+358 295 322 151
sirpa.thessler@luke.fi

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

How to apply

We primarily request that applications be submitted electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you may also apply for this position by submitting your application to the registry office’s postal address. The ID number of the position applied for must be clearly stated both in the application and on the envelope. The application must be received by the end of the application period. Late applications will not be considered. Application documents will not be returned. Based on the information provided in the application documents, including education, work experience, and other relevant factors, applicants will be selected for interviews. Eligibility requirements will also be assessed with regard to the expected qualification.

The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland

Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland

Employer

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

Helsinki, Jokioinen

Locations

You can work at one of our following locations     

Helsinki
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki

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Jokioinen
Tietotie 4
31600 Jokioinen
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Other details

• 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
   
  Each person selected will undergo a sanctions check based on compliance with international and national sanctions obligations. In addition, a background check may be carried out on the selected person to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the person if they do not have Finnish citizenship.
• 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 5696,15 – 6432,37 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.