Summary
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist in Genomic Selection to join the Q-GEN (Quantum Computing Applications for Future Genomes and Biomaterials) project, funded by Business Finland. The project focuses on developing and testing quantum and quantum-inspired computational approaches for genomic selection, with applications in plant and animal breeding.
The successful candidate will work within Luke’s Genomics and Breeding Group, collaborate with quantum physicists at Aalto University, and use both simulated and real quantum-computing environments. The position offers an interdisciplinary research environment combining quantitative genetics, computational science, genomic selection, and quantum computing.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Genomic Selection, Quantitative Genetics, Plant & Animal Breeding, Quantum Computing |
| Employer | Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) |
| Project | Q-GEN – Quantum Computing Applications for Future Genomes and Biomaterials |
| Location | Helsinki or Jokioinen, Finland |
| Employment Type | Temporary, Full-time |
| Contract Period | 11 January 2027 – 31 August 2028 |
| Salary | Approximately €4,259–€4,445/month |
| Position-specific Salary | €3,704.31/month + performance component |
| Application Period | 5 October 2026 – 26 October 2026 |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Job ID | 25278 |
| Remote Work | Possible within Finland |
| Application Deadline | 26 October 2026 at 16:00 |
Designation
Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher – Genomic Selection
Research Area
- Genomic selection and quantitative genetics
- Plant and animal breeding
- Computational genomics
- Quantum computing and quantum-inspired algorithms
- Statistical genetics
- High-performance computing
- Large-scale genomic datasets
- Computational methods for breeding
Location
The position will be based at Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) in either:
- Helsinki: Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Jokioinen: Tietotie 4, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
Luke’s mobile working model allows remote work within Finland, subject to agreement with the supervisor. The position may also involve research visits to international collaborators.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A recently completed PhD/doctoral degree, normally obtained no more than five years before the start of the position.
- A doctoral background in a relevant field such as:
- Animal breeding
- Applied mathematics
- Computer science
- Genetics
- Statistics
- or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of quantitative genetics and breeding.
- Experience applying genomic selection to large datasets.
- Programming skills in R and a compiled programming language such as Fortran or C.
- Experience working in Unix-based high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- A record of relevant peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with quantum-computing platforms.
- Knowledge of statistical methods used in genomic selection.
- Finnish or Swedish language skills.
Job Description
The selected researcher will contribute to the Q-GEN project, which investigates how quantum computing can address computational challenges arising from increasingly large genomic datasets.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and testing quantum and quantum-inspired methods for genomic selection.
- Investigating computational bottlenecks in existing and emerging genomic-selection models.
- Applying genomic-selection methods to animal and plant breeding.
- Working with both simulated and real quantum-computing environments.
- Handling and analysing large genomic datasets.
- Developing computational approaches using R and compiled programming languages.
- Conducting research in collaboration with Luke’s Genomics and Breeding Group.
- Collaborating closely with quantum-physics researchers at Aalto University.
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Participating in international research collaborations and visits.
The researcher will be supervised by Research Professor Ismo Strandén and Dr Matti Taskinen at Luke and will collaborate closely with Professor Ilkka Tittonen’s group at Aalto University.
Salary & Benefits
The position is classified at complexity level 8 in Luke’s salary system.
- Position-specific salary: €3,704.31/month
- Estimated starting salary: approximately €4,259–€4,445/month
- Personal performance component: up to 50% of the position-specific salary; typically 15–20% for new employees depending on competence and experience.
- Applicants may also submit a separate salary request.
- Flexible working hours.
- Mobile/remote working opportunities within Finland.
- Long vacations as employment continues.
- Lunch benefits.
- Sports, culture and commuting support.
- International research collaboration opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application during the official recruitment period for Research Scientist, postdoc, genomic selection, Job ID 25278, at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
For additional information, contact:
Ismo Strandén
Research Professor, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Phone: +358 29 532 6553
Email: ismo.stranden@luke.fi
Registry:
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland
Selected candidates may be subject to standard security-clearance procedures with their consent. Sanctions screening and, where applicable, background checks may also be conducted.
Last Date to Apply
26 October 2026 at 16:00 (4:00 PM)
Job ID: 25278
Contract: 11 January 2027 – 31 August 2028
Number of positions: 1
