Are you an early-career researcher passionate about remote sensing, climate change, and environmental sustainability? Explore this fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position in Remote Sensing and Carbon Monitoring at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) — a top-tier research institute shaping Europe’s environmental future.
🔬 About the Postdoctoral Role
Location: Finland
Duration: 2 Years (Full-Time)
Institution: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Position ID: 12786
Salary: Starting €3,512.13/month + up to 50% bonus
Application Deadline: [Check the official listing for updates]
This exciting postdoctoral research position focuses on developing and applying advanced geospatial tools to monitor carbon flux, biodiversity, and land use at a national scale. Your work will support Finland’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and inform policy through innovative Earth observation technologies.
🧠 Research Focus & Responsibilities
The position is jointly hosted by two of Luke’s leading research teams:
1. Ecosystem and Modeling Group (ESMA)
- Specializes in environmental modeling and satellite data analytics.
2. Carbon Cycle Management Group (HIHA)
- Focuses on national GHG inventories, land-use accounting, and carbon cycle science.
Key Tasks Include:
- Designing remote sensing tools for carbon and biodiversity monitoring
- Integrating satellite, LiDAR, UAV (drone), and field data into national inventories
- Conducting fieldwork and drone operations
- Developing automation workflows for environmental monitoring
- Writing project reports, research papers, and funding proposals
Tasks can be customized based on your expertise in GIS, remote sensing, machine learning, or environmental science.
🌿 Research Themes
- Mapping of forests, peatlands, and urban environments
- GHG estimation using Earth Observation (EO) tools
- Biodiversity tracking through geospatial indicators
- Data fusion from multiple remote sensing sources
- Spatial modeling and ecosystem classification
✅ Candidate Profile – Are You the Right Fit?
Essential Qualifications:
- PhD (within the last 5 years) in forestry, environmental science, geography, geoinformatics, statistics, or machine learning
- Hands-on experience with large spatial datasets
- Proficient in remote sensing, GIS, satellite/UAV imagery analysis
- Strong skills in R, Python, QGIS, or ArcGIS
- Fluent in Finnish (mandatory for GHG reporting) and proficient in English
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
Preferred/Bonus Skills:
- UAV/drone piloting certification or flight experience
- Fieldwork or ecological survey background
- Experience with Horizon Europe or EU-funded environmental projects
💼 What Luke Offers You
- 💶 Competitive monthly salary starting at €3,512.13
- 🎯 Performance-based bonus up to 50% (typically 15–20% for new hires)
- 🏠 Remote and mobile working options across Finland
- ⏰ Flexible working hours + generous paid leave
- 🍽️ Subsidized meals + wellness, commuting, and culture benefits
- 🌐 International and interdisciplinary work environment
- 🛡️ Position subject to Finnish security clearance
📝 How to Apply
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 2-page Research Plan with references
- Full List of Publications
Submission Options:
📍 Apply online via the official Finnish government portal: Valtiolle.fi
📬 Or post your application to:
Registry, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
📞 Contact for More Information
- Dr. Parvez Rana – Senior Scientist
📧 parvez.rana@luke.fi | 📞 +358 50 325 4773 - Heli Miettinen – Group Manager
📧 heli.miettinen@luke.fi | 📞 +358 46 920 6170
🌱 About the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Luke is Finland’s premier research organization dedicated to the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. The institute conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that informs policy and promotes innovation across environmental sectors. Luke is internationally respected for its work in climate science, biodiversity monitoring, agroecology, and sustainable forestry.
Core Values:
- 🌍 Sustainability & climate responsibility
- 🔬 Scientific excellence
- 🤝 Diversity & inclusion
- 💡 Societal innovation & impact