Postdoctoral Researcher in Economics and Agricultural Economics at the University of Helsinki University of Helsinki in Finland

The University of Helsinki’s Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Economics. The position is based in the Agricultural Economics research group at the Viikki campus in Helsinki, Finland, and is part of the research project Intergenerational Transitions in the Nordics (NEXT).

The project is funded by the Peter Wallenberg Foundation and is led by Professor Lucia Naldi (Jönköping University) and Professor Pia Nilsson (University of Helsinki). It examines how inheritance and gift taxation shape intergenerational farm succession and the development of farm businesses in Sweden and Finland. The research uses harmonized longitudinal administrative register data and a comparative institutional setting where Sweden abolished inheritance and gift taxes in 2005 while Finland retains them with relief mechanisms.

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to building the Sweden–Finland empirical framework, identifying and dating ownership transitions, classifying transfer modes, distinguishing within-family from non-family transfers, and linking succession events to outcomes such as farm viability, investment, land-use continuity, and technological development. The role includes econometric analysis, preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles, and participation in collaborative research activities with partners at Jönköping International Business School and CeFEO.

Applicants should have completed a PhD in economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field by the start date. Strong econometrics and longitudinal empirical methods are required, and experience with administrative register data or other large linked datasets is highly desirable. Applied microeconomics, causal inference, and event-study methods are advantageous. Excellent English is required; Swedish/Finnish is optional but beneficial.

The appointment is fixed term for two years with a six-month trial period and is expected to start around January 2027. The salary is typically about €3,600–€3,800 per month depending on qualifications and experience. The role includes about 10–15% teaching, including parts of an intermediate production economics course and a Master’s course in Production and Cost Theory.

To apply, submit a single PDF in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Include a motivation letter (max 2 pages), CV with publications, and contact details for two references. The deadline is 12 November 2026 at 23:59 EET.