About the opportunity
The Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) at the Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, invites applications for a Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor in Meteorology. The successful candidate will conduct an outstanding independent research program in dynamic meteorology, synoptic-scale meteorology, or numerical weather prediction. Key responsibilities include supervising students and postdoctoral researchers, securing research funding, teaching courses within the Master’s Programme in Meteorology, Atmospheric and Climate-System Sciences (ATM-MP) and Doctoral Programme in Science (SciDoc), and promoting collaboration between the university and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Salary and benefits
- Starting gross salary of €84,000–€98,000/year for Professors, €76,000–€82,000/year for Associate Professors, and €68,000–€74,000/year for Assistant Professors
- Potential start-up funding to support the launch of research activities
- Fixed-term contract of 3–5 years for assistant/associate professors, with the opportunity for promotion to a permanent full professorship upon successful evaluation
- Comprehensive occupational health services and general medical care
- Access to university sports facilities and professional development opportunities
- 6 weeks of paid annual leave
- Relocation support, including assistance with transition to Finland and Finnish/Swedish language study support
- Access to Finnish social benefits, including generous parental leaves, affordable state-subsidized day care, and free primary education
Who can apply?
- Must hold a doctoral degree
- For Assistant/Associate Professor: Ability to conduct independent scientific research, necessary teaching skills, and motivation for an academic career
- For Professor: High-level academic qualifications and experience in scientific research leadership
- An internationally recognized track record in synoptic scale dynamic meteorology and in numerical weather prediction methods and/or multi-scale meteorological modeling and associated observing systems
Required documents
- Cover letter describing suitability and motivation (1–2 pages)
- Academic portfolio (including a list of publications, near-term research plans, and teaching vision) prepared according to the university's guidelines and uploaded as a single PDF file to the CV slot
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026, at 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time.
How to apply
- Prepare the required cover letter and academic portfolio as separate PDF files.
- External applicants: Submit the application through the University of Helsinki's recruitment system by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.
- Internal applicants: Log in using the 'Employee login' button to submit the application.
- Upload the academic portfolio PDF to the slot reserved for the CV.
Additional information
- The position involves close collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute in both research and education.
- For questions about the position and working environment, contact Professor Tuukka Petäjä at tuukka.petaja@helsinki.fi.
- For questions about the recruitment process or system, contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Doctoral degree with an internationally recognized track record in numerical weather prediction or multi-scale meteorological modeling.
- Experience in scientific research leadership (for Professor level).
- Motivation for an academic career involving both high-level research and teaching.
- Ability to conduct independent scientific research and secure funding.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires a high level of academic leadership and a proven track record in securing research funding.
- Assistant and Associate Professors are on fixed-term contracts (3–5 years) before they can be considered for permanent professorships.
- Relocation to Helsinki is required for this on-site role.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
For a senior academic, this role offers the chance to lead a research program in dynamic or synoptic-scale meteorology while fostering a strategic partnership between the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. It is a path toward a permanent full professorship in a high-benefit environment.
Our take
A prestigious opportunity for established meteorologists to lead independent research and shape the next generation of atmospheric scientists in Finland.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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