Luke is recruiting eight new postdoctoral researchers for cutting-edge research

Would you like to conduct cutting-edge research on sustainable bioeconomy? We are looking for eight postdoctoral researchers to join our international and multidisciplinary community to build a more sustainable future.

In 2025, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) will hire a total of 14 postdoctoral researchers through international recruitment.

The research themes of the postdoc researchers emphasise Luke's strategic policies, the objectives of separate national R&D funding to improve Finland's competitiveness, and the objectives of the national Bioeconomy Strategy to double the value added of the bioeconomy.

"If you are interested in taking Finland towards sustainable use of natural resources and want to get to know Luke during your postdoc period, you are the person we are looking for. We expect you to have methodological expertise that will bring new perspectives to the current challenges of the bioeconomy," says Antti Asikainen, Executive Vice President, Research at Luke.

In the newly launched recruitment process, eight positions are available, with the following research themes:

• promoting sustainable crop production
• artificial intelligence and new technologies in primary production
• diverse farming practices
• utilisation of carbohydrate-rich side streams
• impacts of land use changes on fish populations
• modelling of the hydrology of production ecosystems in the boreal forest zone
• assessment and development of corporate ESG practices through policy measures
• sustainability assessment of bio-based products

At Luke, a postdoctoral researcher can be a person who has typically completed their doctoral degree about five years ago (excluding periods of family leave, military or civil service, long-term illness or work, for example in central government or in a company that is particularly significant for the postdoc research in question).

The application period for postdoctoral researcher positions is open from 28 April to 19 May 2025, and the job postings and instructions can be found at valtiolle.fi.

Luke Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programme supports the career path of postdoctoral researchers

Postdoctoral researchers are supported by the Luke Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programme which coordinates and supports the qualification of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers working at Luke. We support researchers in their scientific careers, internationalisation and networking so that they can grow to be at the top of their respective disciplines.

One of the key objectives of the postdoctoral period is scientific qualification and becoming an independent researcher. Each postdoctoral researcher has a scientific supervisor at Luke who supports their scientific qualification, career development and networking.

The Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes leads to sustainable solutions and economic growth in Finland

Luke's postdoctoral recruitments are part of the Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes, implemented during 2025–2028, which is one of the measures under the government's multi-year R&D funding plan. The programme will recruit 85 doctoral-level researchers to 12 government research institutes. The aim of the programme is to strengthen Finland's RDI expertise to develop sustainable solutions and competitiveness in key sectors of society and business. The long-term goal is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and increase productivity in Finland.

The programme enhances the national and international mobility of postdoctoral researchers and fosters collaboration with research institutes, the public sector, and the business community.

Johanna Buchert, President and CEO at Luke, is the director of the Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes.