Research Scientist, postdoc, aquaculture technology

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is looking for a Research Scientist, aquaculture technology, for a 3-year position.

This postdoc position is part of the Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes in Finland. The programme is funded from the Finnish government's multi-annual research and development (R&D) funding plan. The programme recruits 85 new postdoctoral researchers to 12 Finnish government research institutes between 2025 and 2028. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen RDI competence in areas important to society and business. A postdoctoral researcher will conduct goal-oriented high-level research at the interface between the academic community, industry, and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.

The selected person will also take part in Luke's Doctoral Programme, which coordinates, develops, and monitors the qualification of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.

Main responsibilities of the post doc research scientist include developing salmonid aquaculture technologies, e.g., diminishing nutrient discharges to meet environmental regulation demands. Salmonids are mostly produced in marine net cages, where new technological solutions are being studied and piloted towards semi-closed systems. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) farming is increasingly employed as controlled production technology, also to capture nutrients and utilize them elsewhere in food production. Technic and economic feasibility of such technologies requires further research. In addition to these focus areas, work can be aligned with applicant’s competence and areas of interest.

The research will be carried out in collaboration with other research institutes, universities and companies both in Finland and internationally. The research also makes extensive use of the multidisciplinary expertise of Luke's different research groups. The work also includes preparing funding applications and acting as project manager in the coordination of research projects. The nature of the task requires travel in Finland (approximately 5 travel days/month) and abroad (approximately 5 travel days/year).

In this task you can work in diverse and high-quality aquaculture research environments. You will also have the opportunity to cooperate extensively with different research organisations and companies, and to use your own networks in research development. You will be supported by Luke's excellent working community and cooperation networks.

Our expectations of the applicant

To be successful in this role, you must have the following skills:

• recently completed a doctorate (max 5 years ago) in one of the following field: aquaculture or other relevant sciences or engineering discipline
• proven ability to publish in high quality peer-reviewed publication forums.
• strong knowledge of salmonid farming technologies, e.g. closed or semi-closed systems
• experience in coordinating scientific projects
• excellent written and oral English language skills
• ability and willingness to work collaboratively
• ability and willingness to work independently and learn new skills

We also consider it an advantage if the applicant has experience in preparing funding applications, in by-product recovery processes and in research on the behaviour of farmed fish. The applicant's extensive cooperation networks will also be 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

Jouni Vielma
Principal Scientist
+358 40 750 1146
jouni.vielma@luke.fi

Mika Laakkonen
Group Manager
+358 50 564 8895
mika.laakkonen@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 and expert organisation that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources. Through research, we create value and solutions for our customers and society by solving local and global challenges.
Being open-minded, curious, and having a strong will to make a positive impact in the world bind Luke people together. We value our diverse working community consisting of people with different backgrounds and cultures and promote equality. Sustainability is included in all our operations.

Location
Jyväskylä

Locations

You can work at one of our following locations

Jyväskylä
Survontie 9 A
40500 Jyväskylä

Position information
Other information of the position

• More information: Please attach a letter of application, CV, research plan and list of publications to your application. The applicant's knowledge and experience of the postdoc position's research topic will be assessed based on the research plan (maximum 2 pages + reference list).
• 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: 3-year Postdoctoral Programme in Research Institutes.
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Trial period: A trial period is 6 months.
• Remuneration information: The position is at complexity level 8 - 9 in Luke's salary system and the position-specific salary is EUR 3 512,13 - 3910,89 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.