Postdoctoral Researcher, Climate Change Mitigation With Wood-based Products

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for the position of POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER for a fixed term position starting on 1.10.2022, or as agreed. The postdoctoral researcher will be employed for a fixed term of 3 years, with a possibility of extension for 2 years.

The position is located at the Department of Forest Sciences in the research group Forest Bioeconomy, Business, and Sustainability (FBBS). The position is funded by the Academy of Finland and relates to the project Reduced emissions through wood use: Mitigation pathways towards carbon neutrality (REDEEM).

The forest sector can contribute to climate change mitigation by substituting emission-intensive products for wood-based alternatives. However, ambitious climate change mitigation pathways to mid-century will result in lower potential to further avoid fossil emissions through wood use. REDEEM sets out to investigate the scale and timing of net greenhouse gas emissions in the event of an expanding bioeconomy and seeks additional forest-based mitigation measures that could provide climate benefits both in the short and long term. REDEEM aims at realistic estimates of the forest sector’s contribution to the Paris Agreement by considering market dynamics and alternative carbon neutrality pathways.

The project combines several methodological approaches and involves LCA, econometric analysis, simulation modelling, and future-oriented market research, including participative approaches. The postdoc position is set up to strengthen quantitative data analysis within the project related to consequential LCA, with a focus on economics and market analysis.

Duties

• Estimation of elasticities and substitution ratios from statistical data to judge the existence and rate of substitution between selected products on the market
• Produce scenarios on the long-term development of selected forest product market vis-à-vis competing sectors
• Model indirect market effects with an open-source general equilibrium model (GTAP)

The duties may also include teaching and student supervision. Teaching tasks can account for up to 5 % of the annual working time.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (natural resource economics, engineering, sustainability science, industrial ecology, etc.)
• Strong background and experience in quantitative data analysis and statistical data analysis
• Fluency in a programming language (R or Python)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (at least level C1)
• A proven publication record in areas of expertise
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to prioritise and organise her/his daily task, and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a research group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

Advantages:

• Prior experience with modelling or simulation, such as agent-based modelling or general equilibrium modelling
• Prior experience with LCA and LCA software packages such as openLCA and/or SimaPro
• Openness to learning new skills
• Knowledge in forest products markets
• Knowledge related to carbon accounting and climate change mitigation measures in the forest sector

WHAT WE OFFER

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring and interdisciplinary research environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The monthly gross salary will start from between €3,300 to €3,700, depending on the level of experience of the applicant. In addition, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university and https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education . The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as a single pdf file:

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, and linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The deadline for applications is 18.09.2022 at 23:59 EEST

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information about the position may be obtained from Dr. Elias Hurmekoski, [email protected], +358 (0)50 414 0312.

If you need support with the recruitment portal, please contact HR Coordinator ([email protected] ) or HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen ([email protected] )

Instructions for using the University of Helsinki recruitment portal:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/open-positions/user-instructions-our-recruitment-system

ABOUT THE EMPLOYER

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education and welfare since 1640.

The Forest Bioeconomy, Business and Sustainability research group, based at Department of Forest Sciences, builds on trans-disciplinary research collaboration on sustainable business management, specifically but not exclusively in the context of the forest sector. We understand sustainability as a multi-faceted concept including economic, social and ecological dimensions. We advocate for sustainable value creation between humans and ecosystem services, with an emphasis on healthy forest ecosystems, renewable resources, and forest-based value-chains and products. Our work is directed towards enhancing the transition of bio-based businesses toward sustainable competitiveness. Our methodological toolbox includes both quantitative and qualitative approaches. More info: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/forest-bioeconomy-business-and-sustainability .