The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

The Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with The Department of Information Technology at the University of Turku is a researcher for a two-year fixed-term position in a project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of indoor farming. The project is funded by the Future Makers Programme of the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation and is related to the fields of photosynthesis research and information technology. The project will run for two years. The position is full-time and will start as soon as possible as agreed.

The aim of the research is to find ways to reduce the energy consumption of artificial lighting in indoor farming by combining photosynthesis research and machine learning

Indoor faming is a fast-growing business sector that enables water-, nutrient- and land-efficient local crop production independent of weather conditions. Locally produced year-round vegetables are of great importance to today's consumers, while new indoor farming technologies are expected to have an important role in the adaptation to global and climate change. The limiting factor for the growth of the sector is the high energy demand for artificial lighting. The project will combine deep photosynthesis research knowledge on the factors determining the plant light use efficiency with optimization of conditions using machine learning. At the heart of the project is a new controlled conditions research platform that enables measurement of plant light use efficiency and machine learning-based feedback control of light and conditions. The aim is to maximize yield and minimize energy consumption and to gain information from processes affecting the efficiency.

Job description: Applicants are required to have theoretical and practical knowledge

This is an interdisciplinary project using new research technologies, requiring the ability to work across disciplines (photosynthesis and information technology), independently and as part of a research team. Our team members will communicate and collaborate with each other during both the design and implementation phases of the project. In addition to theoretical work, the task will involve practical laboratory work and the development of research equipment. Applicant also needs to be fluent in English and able to work in a dynamic environment on their own initiative.

Applicants working on adaptive control and machine learning must have a background in a suitable area of computational science. The job requires some knowledge of control theory, adaptive control and machine learning based data analytics and an attitude of wanting to learn more about these. Experience in discrete optimization is also an advantage. Practical experience in adaptive control and machine learning, experience in programming languages related to computer science and control theory (e.g. Python, Matlab), knowledge of IoT devices and embedded systems would be an asset.

Our selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the work. In practice, this means that not only education, scientific publications and working experience but also personal qualities, motivation factors, communication skills, language skills and other relevant criteria will be taken into account. The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure.

Salary and employment

The position will begin on 1.9.2023 (starting date can be negotiated).

The salary is determined in accordance with the collective agreement of Finnish universities and the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary for a project researcher will be in average 2300 - 2700 euro/month and for a post-doctoral researcher in average 3300 - 3600 euro/month depending on competence and experience. A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions. Also, good English language competence is required.

Applications must be submitted at the latest on 31.7.2023 using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://www.utu.fi/careers

The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (“Apply for the job”).

Applicants should enclose with their application a CV, short cover letter including a short description of applicant’s relevant skills, knowledge and motivation for the post, degree certificate(s), list of publications (if applicable) and other documents that may influence the filling of the position.

For further information about the positions please contact project leader, assistant professor Mikko Tikkanen (misati(at)utu.fi). For the job related to adaptive control and machine learning please contact professor Jukka Heikkonen (jukhei(at)utu.fi) and for the job-related photosynthesis please contact either assistant professor Mikko Tikkanen  (misati(at)utu.fi) or associate professor. Pauli Kallio (pataka(at)utu.fi). Regarding the recruitment process technical matters, if needed please contact biocityhrservices(at)utu.fi.

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We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.