PhD Student ( soil carbon measurements and modelling), Helsinki, fixed-term

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PhD STUDENT (SOIL CARBON MEASUREMENTS AND MODELLING) TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF VALIO PEOPLE  

We at Valio believe that a future-proof food system combines different forms of food production, some of which already exist, and some are only at a research stage. To feed everyone in the world in the future, we need sustainably produced plant- - and animal-based food, and new innovations from e.g. cellular agriculture. All these forms of food production need and support each other. 

The efficient food system is not just about food products. The side streams, like manure, may be used to produce energy and fertilizers and, for example, lignocellulose from agriculture maybe used in fibre materials for clothing. At the same time, we reduce climate emissions, maintain biodiversity and recycle nutrients. At best, the integration of different value chains improves the profitability of the whole food production system. 

In a sustainable food system, animal and plant production and cellular agriculture complement each other and should be developed as part of the whole – not alone or in opposition to each other.

Further information on Food 2.0 ”Veturi” project: Valio käynnistää Business Finlandin veturirahoituksella Food 2.0 -hankkeen, jossa kehitetään tulevaisuuden ruokajärjestelmää ja edistetään ruokaviennin kilpailukykyä - Valio 

As part of Valio Food 2.0. (“Veturi-funded”) project we are seeking a highly motivated PhD Student (fixed-term position) to join our team and focusing on research in the field of soil carbon measurements and modelling. Your research will contribute heavily to our Regenerative agriculture stream. You will be supported and mentored by Valio’s professionals in this field in addition to supervisor(s) from the university and other research organizations we are working with. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research projects aimed at improving our understanding of soil processes and their implications for environmental sustainability.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Conduct research to collect soil carbon measurements and data using advanced laboratory and field techniques;
• Develop and implement soil carbon balance models to simulate and predict soil properties and processes
• Analyze and interpret research findings, and contribute to the publication of scientific papers and reports
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and stakeholders to integrate soil science into broader environmental research efforts, e.g. LCA modeling of food products
• Present research findings  for different target audiences within Valio, our key stakeholders and externally conferences other scientific forums
• Participate in outreach activities to engage with stakeholders and communicate research findings to diverse audiences
• Support us to build a model that can be utilized further in our value chain to create a positive impact in farms

Success in the position requires:

• Proven understanding in physical soil measurements, laboratory techniques, and data analysis methods
• Experience with soil modeling software (e.g., HYDRUS, DSSAT, or similar) is highly desirable and soil carbon models, like Yasso and BASGRA
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB can be seen beneficial
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts effectively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research and business environment with different stakeholders
• Result-oriented working approach
• Can-do-attitude
• Passion for environmental sustainability and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge
• Master's degree or equivalent  in relevant field
• Fluent in Finnish and in English

We work in a hybrid model that takes into account the employee’s and team’s wishes for office and remote work. The office location is in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki.

We all share the same passion working at Valio: together we make life better. We invest in people-centered leadership, and the development of team collaboration. We want every Valio employee to have a clear understanding of their own job and goals, and the opportunity to influence their own work and expertise. We pay attention to, among other things, employee well-being and engagement at work and workplace safety with various metrics. You will also have access to the benefits of a large, renowned Finnish food company. 

For more information, please call Juha Nousiainen, Senior Vice President, Climate Solutions (phone number: +358503840242).

Please send your application by 2 June 2024 via application link.