The University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position for a contract starting as soon as possible and ending by end of 2026. The position is opened at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry located in Viikki campus in Helsinki. The appointed person will be affiliated to the Future Sustainable Food Systems (FS)2 -research group led by Professor Hanna Tuomisto.
The task of the postdoctoral researcher is to carry out world leading research related to sustainability assessment of future food system scenarios. The focus is in estimating the potential of novel food production technologies (e.g. cellular agriculture and vertical farming) to improve the sustainability and resilience of food systems globally together with other options, such as agroecological farming, improvements in agricultural technologies, dietary change and improved circularity. The appointee is also expected to be involved in preparations of funding applications, supervision of MSc and PhD students and teaching activities at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.
Requirements
We look for candidates in the field of sustainability assessment who:
- have a doctoral degree granted before the beginning of employment
- have experience in the field of life cycle assessment (LCA) of agriculture, food production and/or food systems (including a minimum of one scientific peer-review publication related to the topic) and experience in using LCA software (e.g. SimaPro, Gabi or OpenLCA)
- have programming skills (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB, C)
- have ability to conduct scholarly work and research both independently and as member of interdisciplinary research groups
- show keen interest to conduct high quality scientific research involving modelling of complex global food systems
- have ability of learn fast
- have motivation and capabilities to teach environmental life cycle assessment and supervise academic theses
What we offer
The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be c. 3500-4000 €/month depending on experience. A six-month trial period will be applied. The workplace of the position is at Viikki campus in Helsinki.
Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services, and obtain access to high-quality public affordable childcare services and schools. Read more about the employee benefits at our university and why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers
Further information
- The position: Professor Hanna Tuomisto, [email protected]
- University of Helsinki recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen, [email protected]
- Future Sustainable Food Systems -research group: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/future-sustainable-food-systems
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry
- Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
- Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome
- International House Helsinki: https://ihhelsinki.fi
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.
Please include the following in your application:
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including descriptions of candidate's:
o background and methodological skills relevant for the position
o research interest or a vision for the research conducted in this position
o past experience on working in multidisciplinary groups or research environments
- CV that includes a list of publications
- Names and contact details of two referees
External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button.
Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
The closing date for applications is 29 November 2024 (23:59 EET)