Luke is looking for a Research Scientist, postdoc, for a 3-year position. The aim of the postdoctoral researcher is to develop profitable utilization of carbohydrate-rich side streams for the food system sustainability transformation.
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.
Background: The food system transformation means significant changes and innovations that make food production more sustainable and efficient. Plant-based proteins are a more environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based proteins, and cellular agriculture offers the opportunity to produce food ingredients and food in new ways. Fermentation processes can also produce many bio-based polymers and ingredients for the needs of the bioproducts industry. The bottleneck is often the lack of low cost sugar and nitrogen sources, as well as other sustainability and eco-efficiency aspects of the process. The goal is to develop more environmentally friendly and economically viable production processes.
Job Description: The main goal of the postdoctoral researcher's position is to develop and assess the economically viable utilization of carbohydrate-rich side streams in cellular agriculture, as well as in food and bioproducts. Carbohydrate-rich side streams cover both lignocellulose and starch-based biomasses.
The position includes process development and techno-economic assessment
• to promote the use of biomass as raw materials for cellular agriculture (sources of sugar and nitrogen)
• use of side streams in food and bioproduct applications
• application of the latest fermentation and extrusion technologies as cascade enablers
In addition, the task includes multidisciplinary collaboration to assess the impacts of the developed solutions on food system level. This includes
• evaluating the overall profitability and eco-efficiency of the alternative solutions
• outlining new business ecosystems
• modelling the effects on security of supply and export potential
Expected results enable the profitable utilization of carbohydrate-rich biomasses in promoting the food system sustainability transformation and promote the adoption of the latest technologies in biocircular businesses.
Read more
http://www.luke.fi/en/about-luke/career-in-luke/luke-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-programme
Our expectations of the applicant
Successful performance in the position requires the applicant to have the ability and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary collaboration with various actors in the food system, expertise in fermentation and extrusion technologies, and an understanding of the value networks of the food system. Also important for the successful performance is expertise in techno-economic assessments, as well as an interest in developing business ecosystems and understanding their operating principles.
As an applicant, you have
• recently completed a doctoral degree (typically no more than 5 years ago) in one of the following fields: food technology, process technology, bio-circular economy solutions in the food system
• a demonstrated ability to publish in high-level peer-reviewed publication forums
• strong expertise in fermentation and extrusion technologies
• experience in techno-economic assessments
• excellent written and oral English skills, Finnish skills are considered an advantage
• the ability and desire to work independently and learn new in multidisciplinary cooperation
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
Sari Mäkinen
Group Manager, available 7.5. at 9-12 and 14-17
+358 29 532 6378
[email protected]
Riina Muilu-Mäkelä
Research Manager, available 13.5. at 9-11 and 15.5. at 14-16
+358 29 532 4044
[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
Jokioinen, Helsinki
