Research Scientist, postdoc, forest disturbance modelling

Luke is looking for a Research Scientist, postdoc for a 3-year position. The task is related to integrating large-scale data sources and analyzing them using machine learning and statistical modelling aiming to predict future disturbance risks.

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of forest disturbance dynamics. The research will focus on integrating different large-scale data sources to understand and forecast risks of natural disturbances and their impacts on Finnish forests. Particular attention will be on the risk and impacts of bark beetles, which are emergent disturbance agents in Finland. Combining information from multiple sources (e.g. remote sensing, forest inventory data, bark beetle monitoring, climate/weather data, simulation) on forest condition, environmental drivers and bark beetle occurrence, the researcher will develop a comprehensive tool utilizing machine learning and statistical modelling to forecast risks for Finnish forests under current and future conditions. The work will also directly contribute to the integration of bark beetle risks in established forest resource planning platforms and novel large-scale forest simulation approaches.

Our expectations of the applicant

To be successful in this role, you will be expected to:

• recently completed a doctorate (max 5 years ago) in forestry or ecology or a related field with strong background in data analysis and statistical modelling or a PhD in methodological field (statistics, machine learning or related) with strong background in forestry, ecology or related field.
• Capability to handle large data sets and perform large-scale scientific computing
• Experience with AI applications.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

We also take into account the quantity and quality of previous scientific publications.

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

Riikka Linnakoski
Group Manager
+358 29 532 2289
riikka.linnakoski@luke.fi

Timo Hurme
Group Manager
+358 29 532 6555
timo.hurme@luke.fi

Juha Honkaniemi
Research Scientist
+358 29 532 2367
juha.honkaniemi@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
Helsinki

Locations
You can work at one of our following locations

Helsinki
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki

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.