We are looking for a Research Professor in Wood Material Science and Technology at Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
Job description
Research Professor in Wood Material Science and Technology leads and coordinates research focused on wood and timber properties and quality, raw material potential, traditional and novel uses for wood and hybrid construction, other wood product solutions and their side streams. The research topics may include production processes and technology, wood allocation and quality management, value networks of wood products and their circulation.
Research Professor must have a credible vision; from research to innovation. The professor’s tasks are to lead, conduct and promote interdisciplinary research, and be active and visible in regional, national and international research networks. The ability to secure research funding and build a strong national and international research project portfolio is essential. The professor is expected to participate in supervision of researchers, researcher training and building attractive research environments, that is to actively develop Luke’s wood material laboratory activities and internal collaboration. The professor also contributes to the development of wood-based industries, their product portfolios and innovations, and is actively engaged in related innovation platforms and enterprise communities. The role includes publishing research results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, disseminating research results to the general public, promoting stakeholder use of the results, and engaging in science policy networks to advance the uptake of research outcomes among public decision makers and industry.
The primary location for the position is Joensuu, placement at other LUKE offices can be negotiated.
Our expectations of the applicant
Research Professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) is required to have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, for example forestry, material sciences, wood engineering or mechanical wood processing. The successful candidate should have a strong vision of novel products and future uses of wood material in construction. A strong track record in publishing and disseminating scientific results and participation in collaborative international or domestic research projects is expected. Expertise in managing research or development projects, effective networks and interest in expanding stakeholder collaboration are counted as merits.
Understanding of the entire forest-based value chain and merits in acquiring competitive national and international research funding are essential. The candidate is also expected to have relevant wood material laboratory approach and methodological skills in the acquisition and use of different types of data, as well as a strong understanding of value networks of forest industries, their business and product development and total sustainability of wood utilisation. Active communication and close collaboration with Finnish wood processing companies are key elements of the work.
The position will require excellent problem-solving, communication and leadership skills, and a capacity to cooperate with clients and stakeholders, including experts of other research organisations, ministries, forest and associated industries, and private forestry actors. The Research Professor is expected to develop a research plan to enhance Luke’s expertise in the field of wood material science and technology, to diversify and mentor the research team and to increase Luke’s impact in the relevant scientific and business sector.
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
anu.kaukovirta@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, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Savonlinna
Locations
You can work at one of our following locations
Helsinki
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki
Joensuu
Yliopistokatu 6 b
80100 Joensuu
Oulu
Paavo Havaksen tie 3
90570 Oulu
Rovaniemi
Ounasjoentie 6
96200 Rovaniemi
Savonlinna
Vipusenkuja 6
57200 Savonlinna
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
The selected person will undergo a sanctions check based on compliance with international and national sanctions obligations. The selected person may also undergo a background check to verify the accuracy of the information provided if the person is not registered in Finland. - 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.
