At Luke, we are seeking a research professor in soil biology to develop state-of-art science and the strategic orientation of Luke’s research on soil communities and the nutrient cycling processes they regulate.
Job description
The research professor will lead, develop and direct interdisciplinary research in soil biology at Luke. The role involves applying and developing methods in a rapidly evolving field of research, with a focus on studying soil communities and their connections to land use change, ecosystem biodiversity, climate change, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. The research professor will be an active and visible contributor to regional, national and international research cooperation, and will acquire external funding, build a strong research portfolio and foster internal cooperation within the field. The role also includes publishing in high-quality scientific journals in the field, producing policy information, and communicating research findings to decision makers, stakeholders and the wider society.
The workplace is in Helsinki, Jokioinen, Oulu or Joensuu, or another Luke location as agreed.
Our expectations of the applicant
The research professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) is required to have a doctoral degree in biology, microbiology or another relevant field of the natural sciences. We expect the research professor to have a good knowledge and a wide understanding of soil biology and microorganisms and a general knowledge and understanding of their ecology. Experience in boreal soil research is required. A high-quality scientific publication record in the discipline is essential. The research professor must demonstrate scientific leadership and the ability to develop new research questions and turn them into successful research projects. They must also have the capacity and credentials to apply for research funding, as well as a strong track record in leading and managing international research projects, the capacity to create and be actively engaged in national and international cooperation networks, and the ability to guide researchers and build attractive research environments. The ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, collaboration and problem-solving skills, excellent skills in oral and written communication in English, and experience in sharing scientific knowledge are also essential.
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
Sirpa Thessler
Vice President, Natural resources
+358 295 326 582
sirpa.thessler@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
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, Joensuu, Jokioinen, Oulu
Locations
You can work at one of our following locations
Helsinki
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki
Joensuu
Yliopistokatu 6 b
80100 Joensuu
Jokioinen
Tietotie 4
31600 Jokioinen
Oulu
Paavo Havaksen tie 3
90570 Oulu
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
- 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.
