Research scientist, doctoral researcher, remote sensing

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

Job summary

A leading research organization in Finland seeks a doctoral researcher focused on utilizing diverse forest inventory data to quantify forest structure. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in statistics or related fields and have programming skills, particularly in R. This position offers opportunities for scientific research in a collaborative environment with flexible working conditions and innovative approaches.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Lunch benefits

Support for sports, culture, and commuting

Long vacations after continued employment

Qualifications

• Expertise in statistics and statistical modeling required.
• Knowledge of spatial statistics methods is advantageous.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory; fluency in Finnish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to quantifying forest structure and composition from data.
• Perform statistical analysis and develop statistical approaches.
• Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration and write scientific articles.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Programming skills (R)

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in statistics, mathematics, forestry or related field

Job description

Research scientist, doctoral researcher, remote sensing

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

We are looking for a doctoral researcher for the project ‘Use of diverse forest inventory data for quantifying forest structure’. Statistical expertise required. We offer an opportunity to conduct significant research in multidisciplinary collaboration.

The researcher will contribute to developing quantification of forest structure and composition from field measurements and remote sensing. This requires performing statistical analysis, developing statistical approaches, performing Monte Carlo simulations, processing field and remote sensing data, writing scientific articles in national and international collaboration. Further, the researcher must aim for a PhD during the project.

The researcher is expected to work in a multi-disciplinary group. The researcher will work mainly in the INSTRUCT project (2025-2029). The researcher may participate also in other research projects.

Requirements

The position requires expertise in statistics, statistical modeling, and preferably in forest sciences. Knowledge of spatial statistics methods is considered an advantage. A suitable Master degree is expected in statistics, mathematics, forestry with expertise in statistical modeling as well, or another suitable field.

Good programming skills are a must, particularly R for statistical analysis. The person must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and willingness to visit project collaborators abroad. Proficiency in English is mandatory; fluency in Finnish is an advantage.

What we offer

We appreciate prior experience in publishing scientific articles in the fields of statistics, forests or remote sensing, if any, but this is not a necessity as an early-career researcher is searched for. The researcher must know essential statistical techniques, such as regression modelling, statistical hypothesis tests, and basics of Monte Carlo methods. It is an advantage, if the researcher knows forest inventory and modelling techniques and how to use above mentioned skills in this area.

We offer you a positive approach towards innovation and development. 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.

Application and contact information

Applicants should 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.

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.

We are an equal opportunities employer and value our diverse working community consisting of people with different backgrounds and cultures. Sustainability is included in all our operations.

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Helsinki)