NordicFOOD is a cross-disciplinary area at the University of Turku (UTU) funded by the competitive funding to strengthen university research profiles 2024 (PROFI 8) of the Research Council of Finland. NordicFOOD aims to upgrade science and technologies crucial for transforming food systems to support human health and the well-being of the environment, considering food systems from a Nordic perspective. The goal is to create new knowledge and solutions for enhancing the diversity and sustainability of food, sustainable and healthy diet, as well as understanding the socio-economic domains of sustainable food futures.     

Job description

We are now hiring a Senior Researcher or Senior Research Fellow to strengthen the NordicFOOD team in Food Chemistry and Advanced Analysis of Food Composition as a cross-cutting expertise of the NordicFOOD research of multiple themes including resource diversity, processing technologies, sensory quality, and health benefits of food. 

Key tasks:

• Performs independent research in food sciences that aligns closely with the research themes of NordicFOOD
• Publishes research findings in peer‑reviewed international journals
• Actively applies for external research funding

• Supervises junior researchers (e.g., doctoral researchers and Master’s students)
• Developes novel methods and maintains mass spectrometers
• Trains and instructs new users of mass spectrometers

We are therefore looking for a person with solid background in food chemistry and strong hands-on experience in mass spectrometric analysis technologies. Initiated by the Profi8/NordicFOOD (2025-2030) funding, the research and infrastructure-strengthening activities  will continue beyond the Profi8 funding period.     

The position will be located in Food Sciences Unit at the Department of Life Technologies at University of Turku (https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-technology/life-technologies/research/food-chemistry-and-food-development).  

Who we are looking for

Essential qualifications 

• A doctoral degree (PhD or DSc-Tech.) in Food Chemistry, Food Development, or a relevant discipline.  

• Experience of postdoctoral research of minimally two years on research topics aligning with the research profile of Food Sciences Unit and NordicFOOD profiling area  

• Experience in supervising doctoral theses   

• Solid knowledge base and hands-on experience in food chemistry and mass spectrometry 

• Strong skills and record in developing novel analytical methods using state-of-art high resolution mass spectrometers, especially QTOF instruments.      

• Good record for peer-reviewed publications in food chemistry using advanced mass spectrometry-based analysis technologies. 

• Strong and mature skills for multi-tasking, problem-solving, and for resolving even stressful situations.  

• Strong communication skills in English and strong skills for team work and interaction with partners. 

Desirable qualifications 

• Shown record and interest in planning new projects and acquiring external funding    

• Experience and/or interest in learning new skills in programming, multivariate analysis and use of artificial intelligence tools  

• Experience coordinating projects and administrative tasks such as in budgeting, reporting and customer service 

In addition, good Finnish skills are seen as strength.  

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.