Research Professor in Horticultural Technology

We are looking for a Research Professor in Horticultural Technology at Natural Resources Institute Finland.

The aim of horticultural technology research is to produce competitive and sustainable solutions and technologies for horticultural production in the northern climate. Technological developments are rapid, particularly in greenhouse and vertical farming, where the focus is on increasing the level of automatisation at different stages of production. Our specific objective is to develop resource-efficient production that minimises environmental impact in energy, water, and nutrient use. The research will also promote the development of biodiversity-enhancing and biocircular-economy-based solutions for horticultural and green industry use.

The Research Professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) will lead, develop and direct research in the field of the professorship at Luke. The duties include designing and implementing ambitious, innovative, and interdisciplinary research projects. Research areas may include emerging issues in horticulture technologies in greenhouse and vertical farming environments or production methods in the open field. Research may focus for example on horticultural cropping systems adapted to northern production conditions, growing systems, growing media, or the regulation of growing conditions.
This task requires the securing of long-term research funding from various sources. The role involves active development of the research area in collaboration with national and international research and stakeholder networks and mentoring early-career researchers. The role will also require active publication in high-impact scientific journals and dissemination of research results to policymakers, industry, primary producers, and society. In addition, the Research Professor is expected to apply and develop Luke’s strategy for profitable and responsible primary production in collaboration with research managers, other research professors, and senior researchers.

Our expectations of the applicant

The successful candidate must have a PhD in horticultural science, agrotechnology, plant production science, or related life sciences. The candidate must have a strong scientific background in their field of research, and a strong understanding of horticulture in a boreal environment and a vision for its development. A strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publications and successful research funding applications are also required. The person should have good interpersonal skills, and we expect strong experience of working in national and international scientific research projects and industry-oriented networks. Good oral and written English language skills and experience of sharing scientific knowledge are essential. Evidence of successful project and consortium management is also required. An understanding of circular economy concepts related to horticultural production, e.g. industrial symbiosis, is considered an advantage. The successful candidate must be willing to comply with Luke’s open science and open data policies.

We offer youOur 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.

For international recruits, we provide a relocation package, which includes concrete support for coming to Finland and Luke (eg. residence permit, various registration procedures, banking and taxation, finding an apartment).

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

Anu Kaukovirta
johtaja, tuotantojärjestelmät
+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.

Organisation

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.

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. For new employees coming from abroad Luke offers relocation packages which provide remarkable help in moving to and settling in Finland. 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
Turku