LUT University’s Department of Separation Science is looking for a junior (doctoral) researcher in research food processing and technology.
The Department of Separation Science is Finland’s largest academic research unit specialising in separation and purification technologies. The department conducts research driven by separation methods on water purification, biorefining, mineral engineering, metal refining, and Power-to-X technologies. The department employs approximately 110 researchers and collaborates closely with the industry.
As global food demand rises, the need for sustainable and economically viable food production systems has become critical. Conventional food processing methods often result in high energy consumption, nutrient loss, and environmental degradation. This work will occur within a regional project focused on sustainable food system innovations in Kouvola. The primary objective is to research and develop predictive tools that integrate food processing optimization, sustainable ingredient selection, and assessments based on economic, nutritional, and environmental implications. The study will specifically explore innovative food processing technologies and sustainable raw materials from the region.
Candidate profile
We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified candidate with a master’s degree in food engineering, chemical engineering, food science, environmental science, computational modeling, or a related field, the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University.
Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.
If you are applying with an unfinished master’s degree, you must complete it before the employment contract is finalised.
What we value
- Background in food processing, sustainable food systems, and/or biorefinery technologies.
- Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and environmental impact modeling.
- Proficiency in optimization algorithms and computational modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Strong analytical skills and a passion for sustainable food systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
Employment relationship and pay
The employment relationship starts with a one-year term, including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies and research have progressed satisfactorily in the first year.
The start date is negotiable. The job is located at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Kouvola, Finland.
The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32,500 euros.
Applications
The deadline for applications is 23 May 2025 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC +2h).
Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:
- Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If your degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date confirmed by your supervisor or school.
- List of publications.
- Contact information of two people who can provide references.
Only applications that include the required documents will be considered.
Further information
Assistant Professor Samuel Perez Vega, [email protected], +358 50 471 8108.
Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.
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LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world's top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en
Technical support for using the recruitment system: [email protected].
Application period starts: 2025-04-22 10:00 Application period ends: 2025-05-23 23:59
