Research Professor in Soil Biology

Karlstad University; Remote; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A Finnish research organization seeks a research professor in soil biology to lead and develop cutting-edge research on soil communities and nutrient cycling processes. The role requires a doctoral degree in biology or microbiology, with a strong publication record and leadership in scientific research. Applicants should demonstrate ability in acquiring funding and fostering international collaboration. The position offers flexible working hours, mobile work options, and benefits such as lunch and commuting support.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Long vacations

Lunch benefits

Support for sports, culture, or commuting

Qualifications

• Demonstrated scientific leadership and capacity to apply for research funding.
• Experience in leading and managing international research projects.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop interdisciplinary research in soil biology.
• Publish in high-quality scientific journals.
• Acquire external funding and build a strong research portfolio.

Skills

Knowledge of soil biology and microorganisms

Leadership in scientific research

English communication skills

Collaboration and problem-solving skills

Education

Doctoral degree in biology or microbiology

Job description

We offer our customers research and development services based on our outstanding biological and technological expertise.

At Luke, we are seeking a research professor in soil biology to develop state‑of‑art science and the strategic orientation of Luke’s research on soil communities and the nutrient cycling processes they regulate.

The research professor will lead, develop and direct interdisciplinary research in soil biology at Luke. The role involves applying and developing methods in a rapidly evolving field of research, with a focus on studying soil communities and their connections to land use change, ecosystem biodiversity, climate change, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. The research professor will be an active and visible contributor to regional, national and international research cooperation, and will acquire external funding, build a strong research portfolio and foster internal cooperation within the field. The role also includes publishing in high‑quality scientific journals in the field, producing policy information, and communicating research findings to decision makers, stakeholders and the wider society.

The workplace is in Helsinki, Jokioinen, Oulu or Joensuu, or another Luke location as agreed.

Our expectations of the applicant

The research professor (tenure track: associate or full professor) is required to have a doctoral degree in biology, microbiology or another relevant field of the natural sciences. We expect the research professor to have a good knowledge and a wide understanding of soil biology and microorganisms and a general knowledge and understanding of their ecology. Experience in boreal soil research is required. A high‑quality scientific publication record in the discipline is essential. The research professor must demonstrate scientific leadership and the ability to develop new research questions and turn them into successful research projects. They must also have the capacity and credentials to apply for research funding, as well as a strong track record in leading and managing international research projects, the capacity to create and be actively engaged in national and international cooperation networks, and the ability to guide researchers and build attractive research environments. The ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, collaboration and problem‑solving skills, excellent skills in oral and written communication in English, and experience in sharing scientific knowledge are also essential.

We offer you

The 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

Sirpa Thessler
Vice President, Natural resources
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

2026-01-19 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)
2026-01-19 15:00 (CET)

Closing on: 2026-01-21 (Europe/Helsinki)