The Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke) is looking for a Research Scientist, postdoc, ecohydrology, for a 3-year position. The task is related to ecosystem modelling theme where the focus is on managed boreal ecosystems.
This postdoc position is part of 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. 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 Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programme, which coordinates, develops, and monitors the qualification of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.
Water availability will decline, and hydrological variability intensify in rapidly warming Northern Europe. Water will thus become a central challenge – either as an enabler or a barrier – for the functionality, services, and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. Addressing the nexus between water and ecosystem services presents a significant challenge for achieving sustainable land use and management, offering interesting opportunities for high level and societally relevant science.
Ecohydrology is essential, for instance, for assessing water availability’s impacts on biomass growth and carbon sink, predicting drought risk and associated biotic disturbances, and developing climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture and forestry. Effective water and forest management strategies are also crucial for climate mitigation efforts and increasing forest productivity. Fair implementation of the EU restoration regulations requires the ability to predict the effects of hydrological restoration on ecosystem functions and greenhouse gas emissions.
To address these challenges, we aim to strengthen our hydrological expertise and enhance capabilities in predicting ecohydrological processes using advanced process-based models. We are now seeking an expert to join our multi-disciplinary research team in this field.
Main duties and responsibilities are as follows:
1. Enhance Luke’s ability to model water and carbon cycles up to the landscape level across forests, peatlands, and agricultural systems. This involves utilizing and advancing process-based ecosystem models, such as pyAPES, SpaFHy, and Peatland Simulator SUSI, developed in collaboration with our partners.
2. Establish semi-operational, high-resolution hydrological simulations on a supercomputing cluster at the national level. These simulations will predict hydrological fluxes and states, focusing on soil moisture and water table depth, leveraging open geospatial data and gridded climate forcings.
3. Apply hydrological models to various regional climate scenarios, thereby evaluating future hydrological conditions and their impacts on water resources and ecosystems.
4. Engage in networking and collaboration across Luke, Finland, and EU-level projects, and contribute to national greenhouse gas inventory reporting improvements.
5. Publish the research outputs in high-level journals and open code repositories.
The research will be conducted in close collaboration with diverse research teams at Luke, the University of Helsinki, and the Digital Waters Flagship initiative (https://digitalwaters.fi/ ). This role also offers opportunities to participate in funding proposals, apply for personal research funding, and engage with stakeholders.
Read more
http://www.luke.fi/en/about-luke/career-in-luke/luke-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-programme
Our expectations of the applicant
• Recently completed doctoral degree (typically no more than 5 years ago) in a relevant field, such as physical or Earth system sciences, meteorology, hydrology, water-resource engineering, ecosystems ecology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrate a curious and collaborative mindset, strong research motivation, and eagerness to apply your skills to diverse computational challenges.
• Possess system analytical and algorithmic thinking, and knowledge in water and carbon cycles within terrestrial ecosystems.
• Have strong expertise in numerical, process-based modelling, scientific programming (e.g., Python, Julia), and working with large geospatial datasets (e.g., Sentinel/Modis, digital elevation models).
• Show experience in integrating models and multi-scale datasets (e.g., model evaluation, calibration, sensitivity analysis) and applying model simulations to research questions or practical applications.
• Possess good command of English, with a proven track record of publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Exhibit the ability and willingness to work independently in a multidisciplinary research team while learning new skills.
Additional advantages preference will be given to candidates who:
• Have knowledge of ecosystem ecology, forest and/or agricultural systems, and their management.
• Are familiar with supercomputing environments.
We offer youThe 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
Samuli Launiainen
Principal scientist
+358 29 532 5323
[email protected]
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 that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources. We create knowledge-based solutions and services for our customers and add value to a sustainable and competitive business based on renewable natural resources. We also support public policy making related to natural resources and the resource economy.
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, 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. On this basis, we are building a cheerful and respectful culture in which everyone’s input is appreciated. Sustainability is included in all our operations.
Location
Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki
