Senior Scientist, wood and material science and wood product value chains

High-level innovative duty of Senior researcher is available at Luke, with the core in research and development on the potentials, utilization and applications of wood materials and bio-hybrid materials in wood products value chains and construction.

Senior researcher will work in domestic and international research and development projects in the field of wood material science and technology which are related to wood product value chains, construction and wood-based and bio-hybrid solutions. The duties cover composing, planning, carrying out and management of projects, as well as fund raising and dissemination of results. Essential part in the work is collaboration with Joensuu research and innovation society and with other partners, including research and testing projects and participation to the development of service supply of Luke’s wood laboratory in Joensuu. The topics include potentials and applicability of primary and cascade raw materials to different uses and pro-cesses, long term durability, life cycle and carbon neutrality issues, evaluation methods of product potential, and application of research and testing methods of wood and material sci-ence. Main duties belong to PUHTIA development and investment project in 2024-2026.

The work of Senior researcher contributes to Luke’s targets towards multi-disciplinary devel-opment of novel material applications and product and service supply in wood utilization, and value networks of business sector in bio-circular economy. The results will boost sustainable, climate positive and wellbeing benefits of wood products sector and wood and hybrid con-struction, develop competitive ability of the sector and provide value-add for wood-based materials. Senior researcher participates actively to international research collaboration and stakeholder collaboration with domestic enterprises and the related dissemination and cus-tomer service.

Our expectations of the applicant

Successful applicant is expected to be familiar with the research on raw materials and material and product solutions of wood product industries and wood construction, and have knowledge of networking and aspects of bio-circular economy of the sector, readiness to act in international and domestic research and innovation networks and willingness for personal development in the duties. In particular, knowledge and expertise in the research methods of wood science and technology and/or material science is required, regarding physico-mechanical and processing and use properties, as well as evidence of successful research in the field of duty. The applicant should be able to work both individually and as a part of multi-disciplinary research team, and as project or sub-project leader.

Evidence of successful research and scientific publishing, experience in research project planning and applying of relevant research methods as well as readiness to steer and perform wood laboratory works are required from the applicant. Good communication and collabora-tive skills, and fluent written and oral English are needed. The applicant should have a relevant PhD, or doctoral studies going on actively.

Starting the work with a short time delay, written and oral skills in Finnish, experience in re-search project management and dissemination, successful fund raising and strong interna-tional or domestic research networking are counted as merits for the applicant. Knowledge and experience of research on long term durability and life cycle issues of wood-based mate-rials and other biomaterials, bio-circular economy issues and wellbeing effects, and biohybrid and side stream materials and products for construction and other uses of wood are strong assets in the work.

BenefitsThe 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

Erkki Verkasalo
Research Professor, PUHTIA -Project Manager
+358 295 323 020
erkki.verkasalo@luke.fi
Lauri Sikanen
Principal Scientist, MEPU -Group Manager
+358 295 322 464
lauri.sikanen@luke.fi

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.

Organization

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research and expert organisation that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources. Through research, we create value and solutions for our customers and society by solving local and global challenges.

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. Sustainability is included in all our operations.

Location
Joensuu