Postdoctoral researcher, grassland modelling

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 on forestry, agriculture, food, game, and fisheries. We also perform statutory services.

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.

As a postdoctoral researcher in Luke you are one of our future makers. Luke’s postdoc policy ensures that everyone gets the same support and position like a right to scientific supervising and equal career development possibilities. Our Early Career Community and Intercultural Community offer possibilities to share experiences and competence as well as everyday joys and griefs. As an employer Luke offers relocation packages for those, who have been recruited from abroad. This support means a remarkable help in immigration and settling in Finland.

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join a multi-institute research team working to better understand beef and dairy grassland management effects on carbon sequestration, soil organic matter dynamics, and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange in mineral and organic soils in Finland. The successful candidate will help to develop a GHG monitoring framework to track changes in ecosystem GHG balance in response to commonly recommended management practices. The work will involve applying field data to further-develop and test different simulation models used to assess the GHG balances of agroecosystems (such as DNDC, STICS, DayCent, APSIM etc). This work is planned as a part of the NC-GRASS project funded by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Narasinha Shurpali (Maaninka Finland), and other collaborators on the project to:

1. Facilitate the development of a GHG modelling framework for dairy and beef grassland management practices, including: a) summarizing existing relevant GHG data and publications in a white paper, b) coordinating a working group to discuss and develop modelling framework, c) conducting necessary analyses to evaluate and inform uncertainty reduction in GHG estimates, d) deploying modelling framework on six intensively measured grassland sites, and e) managing data storage/access and analyzing data.

2. Evaluate the performance of process-based biogeochemical models for predicting carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions reductions with management of Finnish grasslands and curate necessary datasets for model inclusion.

3. Author peer-reviewed scientific publications and communicate findings to diverse local, national, and international audiences.

A personnel security clearance may be obtained for a person chosen for an office or a post with his or her consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). For more information on the security clearance procedure and the rights of the person subject to clearance, visit www.supo.fi

Required: Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in agronomy, soil science, biogeochemistry, terrestrial ecosystem ecology, or related field (at most 5 years since the completion of the degree, excluding career breaks), quantitative research and data analysis skills, including proficiency in the statistical program R, GIS software, experience with the use of simulation models, excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated success in clearly and productively communicating with partners from multiple sectors and the scientific community.

Preferred: Working knowledge of process-based models, Strong knowledge of terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycling, Familiarity with climate change mitigation and soil health aspects in agricultural systems, Interest in applied research to inform policy and practice, Superior organizational and facilitation skills, Ability to work collaboratively in a team and with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Form of employment: Temporary employment

Scope:   Office work

Commencement:   1.1.2023or as agreed.

Time-limited to:   31.12.2024Type of work

Last application date:   5.10.2022 16.00

Reference number:   30-303-2022

You can apply for this job via:

You may also apply for this position by submitting your application to the address below. The job reference of the role must be cited both in the actual application and on the envelope. Applications will not be returned.

Luonnonvarakeskuksen kirjaamo
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, FINLAND

The following documents should be attached to the application:
· A one-page motivation letter
· CV
· List of publications
· Names and contact information of two referees

 The position is at complexity level 8 in Luke's salary system and the position-specific salary is EUR 3.310,60 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.

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.

For international recruits, we provide a relocation package, which includes concrete support for coming to Finland and Luke (eg. residence permit, various registration procedures, banking and taxation, finding an apartment).

Number of positions advertised:   1

Narasinha ShurpaliSenior Scientist+358 29 532 [email protected]

Mikko JärvinenGroup manager+358 29 532 [email protected]

Natural Resources Institute Finland
Halolantie 31 A
71750 Maaninka

or

Natural Resources Institute Finland
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki

Read more: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

A trial period is 4 months.