Research Professor or Associate Research Professor (Environmental Geology)

At GTK, we aim to work for the Earth and for Us. We conduct objective research to find solutions to challenges posed by climate change, the energy transition, and the circular economy. Our 400 experts are specialists in the mineral economy, green energy, water management, the environment, and digital solutions. Together with our Finnish and global partners, we are building sustainable and carbon-neutral future. GTK is a research organization governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. www.gtk.fi/en

Research Professor or Associate Research Professor (Environmental Geology) 

The Geological Survey of Finland seeks a research professor or associate research professor in the Environmental Solutions unit, specialising in environmental geology. Your office will be in Espoo, Rovaniemi, Kuopio or Kokkola, and you can also work flexibly in Finland over a remote connection.

Your task is to innovate, coordinate and lead geological research that supports environmental sustainability. Studies related to climate change and climate sustainability as well as compensating the use of natural resources are also included in your area of expertise. Your job description includes identifying and managing geological and geochemical risks related to the special characteristics of bedrock, soil and water sediments. Another one of your tasks is to produce solutions for responsible infrastructure construction and land use planning, taking into consideration the circular economy and the material-effective and cost-effective use of natural resources.

Considering the stage of your career, you have good capabilities to apply for competitive research funding, prepare Finnish or international science and innovation projects in the field and also take responsibility for their implementation and management. You will also be responsible for developing and supporting GTK’s expertise in the Geoenvironment focus area and for innovating customer-oriented applications. You are able to seek new research perspectives and to inspire others to identify and solve current research challenges in the global operating field.

You will work in the Environmental Solutions unit with approximately 60 people and extensively together with other GTK personnel. You will have access to our modern, well-equipped work environment and research infrastructure: https://www.gtk.fi/en/research/research-infrastructure-and-facilities/

Education, experience and skills expected of the applicant

• Applicants are required to have a doctoral degree in geology or a similar field of natural sciences suitable for the area of responsibility and a good understanding of the area.
• Internationally recognised expertise in environmental geology, environmental geochemistry and climate change research.
• High-quality academic research conducted in the field, evidenced by publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals and/or books.
• Proven ability to identify and solve new geoscientific research questions that are important for society.
• Solid experience in acquiring competitive external project/research funding.
• Strong motivation for research and developing competence and research methods.
• Experience in scientific management and a mentoring approach to work.
• Established international research networks.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.
• Excellent interaction, networking and teamwork skills.

Education, experience and skills that are appreciated

• Experience in geochemical mapping and acid sulphate soil research.
• Experience in the use of geophysical methods and/or remote sensing methods in environmental geological research.
• Experience in utilising geological expertise in the construction of infrastructure and land use planning.

What we offer  

GTK is an international and diverse work community where everyone’s input is valued. Our employees have the opportunity to influence their own work and work remotely in Finland. At GTK we are committed to renew our operations and expertise. We take care of our employees’ wellbeing with our wide range of activities that support wellbeing at work. In addition, we offer central government holiday benefits and a modern and multi-location work, such as flexible working hours. Find out more about us: www.gtk.fi/en/careers-at-gtk/

Information about pay 

The total salary at the beginning of employment will be EUR 5 585–5 951 per month for Associate Research Professor and EUR 6 550–6 979 per month for Research Professor. The salary is determined by the competence and the career path phase of the person selected for the position.

Other details

The successful applicant will be selected to a permanent Senior Scientist position and appointed to a professor position (either Research Professor or Associate Research Professor) for a period of five years with the possibility of continuation to a second 5-year term or permanent appointment to a research professorship. The preferred starting date is 1.1.2026 or by agreement. The position includes a probationary period.

For further information, please contact Director (Science and Innovations) Dr. Aku Heinonen, tel. +358 29 503 0109 reachable on 17.02. at  – 13.00–17.00 (EET)  or your future supervisor Head of Unit (Environmental Solutions) Jouni Pihlaja, tel. +358 29 503 4313 reachable on 19.02.2025 at 9.00-12.00

We consciously advance the diversity and equality of our staff, so we encourage many kinds of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Our work community is made up of more than 20 different nationalities, which is one example of our diversity.

Please send your application in English through the valtiolle.fi-service latest on 14.3.2025 at 16:15 (EET), using service key 10742.

The application must include the following:

• Resume/CV (appendix)
• List of publications (appendix)
• Motivation letter, including a brief summary of research activities to date (incl. matters related to customer interface work, the social impact of research and the dissemination of research results) (appendix)
• Concise research plan describing your future research activities at GTK (appendix)
• Names and contact details of three referees (to be entered in the referees section of the application form)

The recruitment process will include an aptitude assessment and a scientific assessment, involving a scientific lecture and external peer assessment.

We may conduct a personal background check on the person selected for the job with the person’s consent (security clearance act 726/2014). For more information about the security clearance process and the rights of subjects of background checks, please visit www.supo.fi/en

Please note that names of the applicants and the applications with attachments are public.

 

 

 

 

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