We seek a Research Professor in Climate, Nature and Resilience Economics at Luke to advance research on climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources, food systems, land use and the bioeconomy through economic modelling.
Job description
Global environmental and economic changes such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pressures on natural resource use require societies and value chains to adapt. Environmental, geopolitical and market shocks increasingly disrupt food systems, land use and the bioeconomy. A central question is the form and magnitude of public interventions given inherit uncertainty in the global economic system: resilient systems need less anticipation; irreversible changes in environmental, market and institutional structures must be anticipated in policy design.
The research analyses multi-objective decision-making in which climate, biodiversity and economic viability objectives interact, developing approaches that identify and quantify trade-offs and synergies, supporting coherent policy across environmental, climate and economic domains. It applies economics to these challenges, formulating problems in a context of uncertainty, making the most of weak data and signals, and applying dynamic, stochastic and other quantitative methods to yield new insights into welfare-maximising coherent policies at national, EU and international levels.
The workplace is located in Helsinki, Oulu or Joensuu.
Please note that the call closes on 28 September 2026 at 4 pm (EEST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Our expectations of the applicant
The Research Professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) leads high-level research on the economics of climate change, biodiversity loss and natural resource use, with a focus on food systems, land use and the bioeconomy. You will examine how environmental, geopolitical and market shocks affect sustainable resource use, and how policy, investment and governance can strengthen adaptation and resilience in conditions of uncertainty. A key part of the work is the development and application of advanced economic modelling using dynamic, stochastic and other quantitative approaches to analyse trade-offs, policy coherence and welfare impacts. The research generates policy-relevant knowledge to support climate- and nature-resilient transitions at national, EU and international levels, integrating environmental, economic, social and geopolitical perspectives.
You will hold a doctoral degree in economics. Extra merit is awarded for a resource and/or environmental economic focus, and for expertise relevant to climate change, biodiversity, natural resource use, food systems, land use or the bioeconomy. You should have a profound understanding of analytical economics and related methodology. Advanced economic modelling skills are especially appreciated, including dynamic, stochastic and other quantitative approaches in conditions of uncertainty. Experience in machine learning and other AI methods is a benefit, as is familiarity with the bioeconomy, its core policies and stakeholders.
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
Jani Lehto
Vice President, Bioeconomy and Environment
+358 29 532 2370
[email protected]
Antti Asikainen
Executive Vice President, Research
+358 29 532 3250
[email protected]
How to apply
We primarily request that applications be submitted electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you may also apply for this position by submitting your application to the registry office’s postal address. The ID number of the position applied for must be clearly stated both in the application and on the envelope. The application must be received by the end of the application period. Late applications will not be considered. Application documents will not be returned. Based on the information provided in the application documents, including education, work experience, and other relevant factors, applicants will be selected for interviews. Eligibility requirements will also be assessed with regard to the expected qualification.
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
Oulu, Helsinki, Joensuu
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 Each person selected will undergo a sanctions check based on compliance with international and national sanctions obligations. In addition, a background check may be carried out on the selected person to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the person if they do not have Finnish citizenship.
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
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.
