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Luke is seeking a Research Professor in Agro-Ecosystem Modelling to foster the development of productive, sustainable and climate-resilient northern agriculture through plant and soil modelling.



The research professorship in agro-ecosystem modelling is focused on northern cropping systems. The role involves studying the interactions between genotype, environment, and management, assessing the resulting crop, crop yield and ecosystem responses, and integrating these findings into environmental impact assessments.


The work should foster the development of productive, sustainable and climate-resilient northern agriculture through plant and soil modelling, and serve application areas, such as assessments of different cropping systems, development of effective and multi-functional means for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and co-production of knowledge with stakeholders.

The research professor will contribute to the development and testing of various modelling tools that address the key processes in northern cropping systems. The modelling should integrate diverse empirical data types and sources and support novel model-data fusion approaches that enhance our understanding of the key ecosystem processes.


The research professor is expected to actively develop the strategic orientation of ambitious research projects, lead the development of large-scale international project entities, build and scientifically lead a strong research group in the field of the professorship, secure long-term broad-based external funding, interact with relevant national and international stakeholders, and promote the application and dissemination of research results.


The workplace is in Jokioinen, Helsinki, Oulu or Turku.



Our expectations of the applicant

The research professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as agronomy, applied ecology, environmental or systems sciences. The key competence of the research professor is in mastering methodologies relevant to ecosystem modelling that provide mechanistic understanding of the ecosystem processes. In addition to programming skills and comprehensive expertise of dynamic ecosystem models, we value a proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary research teams that use modelling to integrate shared knowledge and to improve scientific understanding. Experience of research carried out in boreal growing conditions and a good understanding of empirical field trial work is considered an advantage.


The position requires excellent problem-solving, communication and international scientific leadership skills, and a proven capacity to build multidisciplinary research consortia competent in raising international research funding. The candidate must demonstrate a capacity to conduct innovative and high-quality research, to build national and international research networks, and to publish in highly cited peer-reviewed international journals.



Additional information

Sirpa Thessler

Vice President, Natural resources

+358 295 326 582

sirpa.thessler@luke.fi


Antti Asikainen

Executive Vice President, Research

+358 29 532 3250

antti.asikainen@luke.fi


Apply by 4.5.2026 at 16:00 (4 pm EEST).