LUT School of Energy Systems is hiring a professor in sustainable bioenergy systems.
The LUT School of Energy Systems is internationally recognised as a leading centre of energy research, and we have an unparalleled reputation for conducting research that combines academic excellence with an impact on business and society. A key principle in our research is to bridge areas from fundamental theory to empirical work, innovation and close-to-market products, technologies, processes or services that may transform energy systems and improve people’s lives globally. Our school provides Bachelor's, Master’s, and doctoral programmes and has Finland’s largest group of researchers in the field of energy. The unit employs 37 professors and more than 400 staff members overall.
The position will be located at the Department of Energy Technology on LUT's Mikkeli regional unit, Finland. The professorship is situated at the assistant or associate professor levels of the tenure track and will be filled through an open application process for a fixed term of four years. The tenure track system offers researchers a possibility to advance to the next level, provided they meet the requirements in the promotion reviews. The work will start with a six-month trial period.
The focus area of the professorship is sustainable bioenergy systems, where the research connects broadly with the energy and biorefining sector.
The fields of research include the following:
- biomass and its use in bioenergy production
- biomass supply systems and logistics
- research related to the regional availability and properties of biomass
- circular economy and biomass sustainability.
The main application areas are the following:
- simulation and optimisation of biomass supply
- deployment of spatial data and remote sensing methods in biomass supply systems
- biomass sustainability assessment and life cycle analysis
- circular economy system modelling and assessment methods.
The candidates must present strong research achievements in at least two of the research fields and application areas mentioned above as well as proof of successful project work and research collaboration with research institutions and industry. In addition, we require evidence of the management of an organisation and the acquisition of funding from competitive sources.
Proof of and potential in high-impact international publishing are expected as well as the ability to produce high-quality research on the modelling of bioeconomy and circular economy systems. Relevant applications include the modelling of biomass supply systems to assess the availability, sustainability, and competitiveness of biomass in energy production and, more broadly, the modelling and evaluation of the quality of circular economy systems.
Practical experience in the field is not a requirement in this position, but it is considered an advantage. Spoken and written fluency in English is required.
The duties include giving and/or overseeing basic and advanced education in bioeconomy and related markets. Bachelor’s level education will be arranged partly in Finnish, partly in English, and master’s level education only in English, both including thesis supervision. Professors also supervise doctoral dissertations.
The duties related to the field of research include the following:
- high-impact international research
- planning and implementation of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education
- supervision of final theses and doctoral studies
- preparation of national and international research and education projects
- acquisition of research funding
- raising public awareness of the bioeconomy and circular economy to benefit society
- taking part in the preparation of projects in other LUT units as an expert
- general administrative work related to the university's operation.
- cost-conscious leadership and project management
- close collaboration and interaction with businesses in the field.
The appointment process description explains the qualification requirements and tenure track appointment criteria.
The salary is determined according to the salary system for university teaching and research personnel. The pay will include an individual pay component based on performance and competence. The annual gross salary for an assistant/associate professor amounts to 50 500 - 68 000 euros depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with this job include a holiday bonus, a generous holiday entitlement, research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial faculty environment and continued commitment for your support, learning, training and development.
The closing date for applications is 11 August 2025 at 12 noon, Finnish local time (UTC + 3h). Please submit your application and all required attachments by filling out the online form. All application documents must be in English and in PDF format. The application must include the following:
- a curriculum vitae (max. 10 pages)
- a copy of the candidate's doctoral diploma
- a full list of publications, including the total number of publications in the Scopus database, the total number of citations, the h-index and Scopus ID, and equivalent information from the candidate’s Google Scholar profile
- a separate list of the 10 publications selected for expert evaluation
- the 10 publications mentioned above
- a teaching portfolio or an equivalent account of the candidate's teaching qualifications, presenting courses taught by the candidate, related feedback, the candidate’s pedagogical training and teaching philosophy
- an account of the candidate's merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 3 pages)
- an account of the candidate’s vision on the development of education, research and projects in the field of the professorship at LUT University (max. 3 pages)
Please specify the tenure track level applied to. Please submit your application well in advance of the deadline to allow enough time for it to be uploaded with its attachments. Also make sure you submit only one application.
For further information, please contact Professor Tapio Ranta, +358 40 864 4994, [email protected].
Read more about the Department of Energy Technology.
Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.
Information for international staff
LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en
Technical support for using the recruitment system: [email protected].
Application period starts: 2025-06-13 08:00. Application period ends: 2025-08-11 12:00.
