Professor of Agricultural Sciences

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for the position of Professor in Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health for a five-year fixed-term appointment. The position can be filled from 1.12.2026 onwards or as agreed and will be located at the Department of Food and Nutrition.

Professor in Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health is positioned at the intersection of nutrition science, cardiometabolic health, public health, metabolic research, and food science. The professor focuses on the role of nutrition in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases and contributes to population-based health promotion strategies.

Expertise

The professor should have an appropriate combination of expertise in the following areas:

• Nutrition and cardiometabolic health in the population: in-depth knowledge of the significance of diet, dietary patterns, foods, nutrients, or bioactive food compounds in promoting cardiometabolic health.
• Mechanistic insights into the role of nutrition in promoting cardiometabolic health: the ability to investigate the interactions of metabolic pathways, such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, insulin resistance, and the gut microbiome. Approaches may include genetics, epigenetics, metabolomics, proteomics, and/or chronobiology, as well as related intervention trials and/or observational population studies.
• Food and its ingredients: the ability to assess the impact of foods, particularly functional and new plant-based products, on cardiometabolic health.
• Population and translational research: experience in conducting epidemiological studies, clinical trials, or translational interventions bridging basic science with public health implementation. These studies should also give insight into individual dietary requirements and personalized/precision nutrition.

The professor will teach and supervise theses at Master’s level (Nutrition Science Master’s Programme) and take part in the supervision of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. The appointee participates in the development of teaching at the faculty and is expected to work in the management teams of the degree programmes.

The appointee will also engage in public discussions on the future of the field. Active networks and collaboration with the business sector are appreciated.

Requirements

An appointee to the position of professor shall have:

• A doctoral degree (must be completed by the end of the application period)
• Advanced academic qualifications
• Experience in leading scholarly research
• Ability to provide research-based teaching and supervise theses
• Evidence of international collaboration in their research field
• Academic leadership skills

The assessment of applicant merits considers:

• Scholarly publications and other research outputs
• Teaching experience and pedagogical training
• Ability to produce learning materials and additional teaching merits
• Involvement in doctoral education
• Active engagement in the academic community
• Success in securing external research funding
• International research experience and elected roles
• Leadership and interaction skills

Fluent English skills are required. The university community also uses Finnish and Swedish, and support for learning these languages is available.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in a diverse research environment
• Research-based teaching at the highest level in Finland
• Participation in internationally valued, first-class research
• Professional development in a multidisciplinary work community
• Support from research, teaching, administrative, and technical staff
• Salary based on levels 8–10 of the Finnish university job requirement scheme (gross annual salary €75,000–€99,000) plus performance-based component
• Six-month trial period
• Flexible work arrangements, comprehensive occupational health care, and wide-ranging UniSport services
• Staff training, mentoring, and other professional development opportunities

The position is located at Viikki campus, Helsinki, Finland.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a single PDF file in English including:

1. CV
2. Short motivation letter and report on research and focus if appointed (1–2 pages)
3. Report on research activities, including scientific community involvement, research funding, and international work (max. 5 pages)
4. Numbered list of publications
5. Report on pedagogical expertise (instructions here)

PDF file name format: cardiometabolic health_lastname_firstname.pdf.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit 10 publications for external assessment. Aptitude evaluation may be used.

• External applicants: apply via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.
• Internal applicants: those with a helsinki.fi account and valid contract should use Employee Login.

Closing date: 4.5.2026 at 23:59 EEST.

Contact Information

• Department Head: Kati Katina, kati.katina@helsinki.fi, +358 2941 58245
• HR Specialist: Mirkka Juntunen, mirkka.juntunen@helsinki.fi, +358 294157583

About Us

The Department of Food and Nutrition investigates and develops raw materials and production techniques for a healthy, environmentally friendly diet. Research addresses food, diet, health effects, and consumer needs.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry promotes sustainable use of renewable natural resources through research and teaching, covering agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, and economics and management. Graduates are versatile experts in biosciences and business.

Faculty website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry

Why Finland and Helsinki

• High quality, inexpensive childcare, free schooling, tertiary training in English
• Generous family benefits and healthcare
• Ranked best country in the world for expat families
• Repeatedly tops the World Happiness Report (https://toolbox.finland.fi/life-society/finland-the-happiest-country-in-the-world)

Support for international staff: International House Helsinki, Welcome to Helsinki

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is promoted. Qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Accessibility and inclusivity: University Accessibility