PhD in AI for Circular Food Production – LUT University, Finland

Key details

• Host institution: LUT University
• Location: LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, Lappeenranta, Finland
• Application deadline: July 26, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

LUT University invites applications for a doctoral researcher position in the CIRC4FOOD project, an international European consortium focused on developing digital infrastructure, FAIR data systems, and AI-based modelling tools for circular food production.

About the position

Your work will focus on developing data-driven and AI-based models for circular food production in close collaboration with international partners. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing modelling approaches for food and bioprocess systems
• Managing and analysing research data according to FAIR data principles
• Supporting project partners in capturing and utilising relevant food process information
• Participating in joint research activities within the consortium
• Completing your doctoral degree, including publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles (approximately one per year) and required doctoral studies
• Attending conferences, seminars, and research dissemination events
• Potentially contributing to teaching and supervising bachelor’s and master’s students

You will work closely with your supervisor through regular weekly meetings and collaborate with international partners on a monthly basis. Supervision is provided by Assistant Professor Samuel Perez Vega together with a computational science expert at LUT University. The position may involve occasional travel for project meetings, workshops, and conferences.

The position is based in the Systemic Food Processing research group at LUT’s Kouvola campus in Finland, with hybrid working options available. Regular presence on campus is required.

What we expect

• A master’s degree in computer science, computational modelling, data science, food engineering, chemical engineering, food science, or a related field
• Commitment to completing doctoral studies within the normative duration of the degree
• Strong interest in sustainable food systems, digital transformation, circular economy, and data-driven technologies for food and bioprocess engineering
• Experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven systems is particularly valued
• Strong programming and modelling skills (e.g., Python, PyTorch, MATLAB, or R)
• Experience in process modelling, simulation, or optimisation is an advantage
• Familiarity with research data management, FAIR principles, and open science practices is beneficial
• Interest in food systems, process engineering, and circular economy; experience in sustainability assessment or life cycle assessment is welcome
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively in an international research environment
• Excellent written and spoken English

What we offer

• A collaborative research environment contributing to an ongoing EU research project
• Opportunity to develop your academic publication record with close supervision
• Employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period; contract may be extended by three years if progress is satisfactory
• Start date: October 2026 (negotiable)
• Flexible working hours supporting work-life balance; 1,612 annual working hours per Finnish university collective agreement
• Salary based on Finnish university pay system (requirement level 2); starting salary approximately EUR 3,100 per month, depending on experience and qualifications

Application instructions

Submit your application by 27 July 2026 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC+2h). Use the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• Motivation letter (one page) highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Scanned copies of original bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts of records (if not in English, include official certified translation; if degree is unfinished, provide official estimate of graduation date confirmed by supervisor or school)
• List of publications
• Contact details of two references

Only applications with all required documents will be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Contact

For more information, contact Assistant Professor Samuel Perez Vega ([email protected]). For technical support with the recruitment system, contact [email protected].

Application period: 22 June 2026, 08:00 – 26 July 2026, 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC+2h).