The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is seeking an internationally oriented Research Professor in Climate, Nature and Resilience Economics to lead high-level research on the economic dimensions of climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource use, food systems, land use, and the bioeconomy.
The position is offered on a tenure-track basis at Associate or Full Professor level and focuses on developing advanced economic approaches to understand how environmental, geopolitical, and market changes influence the resilience and sustainability of economic systems.
The successful candidate will contribute to research that supports evidence-based policymaking at the national, European Union, and international levels.
The position can be based in Helsinki, Oulu, or Joensuu, Finland.
Application deadline: 28 September 2026 at 16:00 (EEST).
Late applications will not be considered.
Research Focus
Climate change, biodiversity loss, resource pressures, and geopolitical and market disruptions are creating significant challenges for food systems, land use, and the bioeconomy.
A central research question is how governments, industries, and societies can design effective policies and investments when future environmental, economic, and institutional conditions are uncertain.
The research will investigate how resilient systems can respond to shocks while accounting for environmental and economic uncertainty. Particular attention will be given to situations involving irreversible environmental changes, where uncertainty must be incorporated into policy and investment decisions.
The position focuses on multi-objective decision-making, where environmental, climate, biodiversity, and economic objectives interact.
Research is expected to:
- Identify and quantify trade-offs and synergies between competing objectives.
- Develop coherent policies across environmental, climate, and economic domains.
- Examine climate and biodiversity impacts on resource use and economic welfare.
- Analyse food systems, land use, and bioeconomy transitions.
- Develop economic approaches for decision-making under uncertainty.
- Use weak data and imperfect signals to generate meaningful policy insights.
- Apply dynamic, stochastic, and other quantitative economic methods.
- Support welfare-maximising policies at national, EU, and international levels.
Responsibilities
The Research Professor will lead internationally competitive research addressing the economics of:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity loss
- Natural resource use
- Food systems
- Land use
- Bioeconomy
- Environmental and economic resilience
- Sustainable resource management
- Climate and nature policy
- Economic impacts of environmental and geopolitical shocks
The role involves developing and applying advanced economic models to evaluate how different policy interventions affect environmental sustainability, economic welfare, and societal resilience.
The successful candidate will also contribute to research leadership, scientific collaboration, stakeholder engagement, research funding, and the dissemination of research findings.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in Economics and demonstrate a strong academic background in analytical economics and related methodologies.
Particular merit will be given to candidates with expertise in resource economics and/or environmental economics.
Relevant research experience may include:
- Climate change economics
- Environmental economics
- Resource economics
- Biodiversity economics
- Natural resource management
- Food systems
- Land-use economics
- Bioeconomy
- Sustainable development
- Economic resilience
- Environmental policy
Candidates should have a profound understanding of analytical economics and advanced quantitative methodologies.
Preferred Technical Expertise
Strong experience with economic modelling is particularly valued, including:
- Dynamic modelling
- Stochastic modelling
- Quantitative economic analysis
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Welfare analysis
- Policy modelling
- Multi-objective optimisation
Experience with machine learning and other artificial intelligence methods is considered an advantage.
Knowledge of the bioeconomy, its policies, stakeholders, and institutional environment is also beneficial.
What Luke Offers
Luke places strong emphasis on employee well-being, innovation, professional development, and an international research environment.
The successful candidate will benefit from:
- A multidisciplinary research environment
- Flexible working arrangements
- Mobile work opportunities within Finland
- Flexible working hours
- Extended vacation opportunities as employment continues
- Lunch benefits
- Sports and cultural benefits
- Commuting support
- Opportunities for international research collaboration
- Access to research infrastructure and experimental facilities
- Opportunities to work with multidisciplinary research teams
The position can be located in Helsinki, Oulu, or Joensuu, depending on the requirements of the work.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The position is classified at complexity level 12–13 in Luke’s salary system.
The position-specific monthly salary is approximately:
€5,696.15 – €6,432.37 gross per month
In addition, the employee may receive a personal performance-based salary component of up to 50% of the position-specific salary.
For new employees, the personal performance component generally ranges between 15% and 20%, depending on competence and experience.
Applicants may also submit their own salary request.
The position follows office working hours, while mobile working arrangements may be agreed with the supervisor.
The employment is fixed-term due to the nature of the work.
The probationary period is half of the employment contract, up to a maximum of six months.
Remote Work
Luke operates according to a mobile work model, allowing employees to work from the location in Finland that is most appropriate for their tasks.
Remote work is possible within Finland only, and the specific arrangements are agreed upon with the supervisor.
Regular face-to-face meetings are also expected.
Application Documents
Applications should primarily be submitted electronically through the Valtiolle.fi recruitment service.
Applicants should prepare the required documents in English.
Appendix 1 – Application Letter, CV and Referees
Submit a document containing:
- Application letter
- Names and contact information of three referees
- Complete curriculum vitae
- Major research funding obtained
- Research leadership experience
- Number of supervised PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
- Number of peer-reviewed publications
- H-index
- Total citations
- Database used for bibliometric information, such as Web of Science or Google Scholar
Maximum length: 10 pages
Appendix 2 – Publication List
Provide a complete list of publications and include links to 10 selected publications that are particularly relevant to the professorship.
Appendix 3 – Previous Research Activities
Provide a summary of research activities completed to date, including:
- Customer and stakeholder engagement
- Societal impact of research
- Dissemination of research results
- Other relevant research activities
Maximum length: 2 pages
Appendix 4 – Five-Year Research Plan
Prepare a research plan covering the next five years.
Applicants should use the official Luke Research Plan Template when preparing this document.
Selection and Background Checks
Applicants will initially be evaluated based on the information provided in their application documents, including:
- Education
- Research experience
- Professional experience
- Scientific achievements
- Research leadership
- Other relevant qualifications
Selected candidates may subsequently be invited for interviews.
The recruitment process may also include scientific evaluation in accordance with Luke’s research professor recruitment procedures.
The selected candidate may be required to undergo:
- Standard security clearance with the applicant’s consent
- Sanctions screening
- Background verification, particularly for applicants who are not Finnish citizens
Security clearance is conducted under Finland’s Security Clearance Act 726/2014.
About Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a Finnish research organisation focused on promoting the bioeconomy and sustainable use of natural resources.
Luke develops scientific knowledge, solutions, and services that support sustainable development and evidence-based decision-making.
Its research covers a broad range of areas, including:
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Food systems
- Fisheries
- Game and wildlife
- Natural resources
- Bioeconomy
- Environmental sustainability
Luke also performs statutory duties and provides research-based services to public and private stakeholders.
The organisation operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, and its activities are governed by the Act on the Natural Resources Institute Finland (561/2014).
Research Environment
Luke provides an international and multidisciplinary research environment supported by experienced researchers, technical specialists, and advanced research infrastructure.
The organisation employs approximately 50 research professors across different fields.
Luke’s Professorship Policy is designed to provide transparency, predictability, and international comparability in professor recruitment.
Researchers benefit from:
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- International research networks
- Research infrastructure
- Experimental sites
- Well-equipped laboratories
- Technical research support
- Opportunities for research leadership
- Collaboration with public and private stakeholders
Luke also maintains an intercultural research community that supports the exchange of knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Contact Information
For questions regarding the position, applicants can contact:
Jani Lehto
Vice President, Bioeconomy and Environment
Phone: +358 29 532 2370
Email: jani.lehto@luke.fi
Antti Asikainen
Executive Vice President, Research
Phone: +358 29 532 3250
Email: antti.asikainen@luke.fi
How to Apply
Applications should preferably be submitted electronically through Valtiolle.fi.
Applicants may alternatively submit their application to the registry office by post. The position ID must be clearly indicated both in the application and on the envelope.
Postal applications should be sent to:
The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki
Finland
Applications must arrive before the end of the application period. Late applications will not be considered, and submitted application documents will not be returned.
Job Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Professor in Climate, Nature and Resilience Economics |
| Employer | Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) |
| Position Level | Research Professor – Associate/Full Professor, Tenure Track |
| Locations | Helsinki, Oulu, or Joensuu, Finland |
| Field | Environmental, Resource, Energy, Welfare Economics and Econometrics |
| Required Degree | Doctoral degree in Economics |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term |
| Working Time | Office working hours |
| Remote Work | Possible within Finland |
| Salary | €5,696.15–€6,432.37/month + performance component |
| Published | 18 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 28 September 2026, 16:00 EEST |
| Employer Website | Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) |
Key Takeaway
This is a senior-level research opportunity for an economist with a strong background in environmental economics, resource economics, climate economics, or related quantitative economic disciplines.
The ideal candidate will combine advanced economic modelling with research leadership to address major challenges involving climate change, biodiversity, natural resources, food systems, land use, and the bioeconomy.
The position is particularly attractive for researchers interested in translating advanced economic modelling into practical, policy-relevant solutions for climate- and nature-resilient development at Finnish, European, and international levels.