PhD Position in Ecology

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in Geography Research Unit at the Faculty of Science to work in a fixed-term position with our multi-talented freshwater plant research team for the project Unraveling the effects of contemporary and historical changes in climate and land use on freshwater biodiversity in high-latitude regions of Europe and North America. The project is the Kvantum Institute’s spearhead project for the period of 2025-2028.

Kvantum Institute is one of four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities, and providing doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas, such as mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as cooperation among groups and national and international partners.

Position description

We are looking for one (1) talented and highly motivated research-oriented person to carry out postdoctoral research in “Unraveling the effects of contemporary and historical changes in climate and land use on freshwater biodiversity in high-latitude regions of Europe and North America” project. The objective of the project is to answer the following questions: (i) is land-use intensification a stronger driver of change than changing climate in explaining historical freshwater plant diversity and distribution?, (ii) are historical legacies of past climates and land use still shaping distribution and functions of present-day freshwater floras in Europe and North America?, and (iii) are there long-lasting biotic imprints affecting contemporary freshwater plant communities, and do these legacies differ between continents?

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research in the project (a four-year fixed-term position), publish research results in the most esteemed international journals, and contribute to developing new proposals to further research in this area. Other duties include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 10% of the total 1612 working hours per year) and co-supervising masters and doctoral students. Also, you will present research in Kvantum Institute’s Researchers’ Seminar and possibly international conferences. In addition, you may be obligated to participate in administrative tasks of the university and/or the Geography Research Unit.

Description of the research team

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work in a multi-national research team of biogeographers and ecologists. The core research team includes Dr. Janne Alahuhta (University of Oulu, Finland), Dr. Jorge Garcia-Giron (University of Leon, Spain), Dr. Daniel Larkin (University of Minnesota, USA) and Dr. Danelle Larson (US Geological Survey, USA). The position will be placed in the Physical Geography Research Group (PGRG), co-led by Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta, and located at the University of Oulu, Finland, with opportunities to travel to the USA to work with fellow researchers. PGRG contributes to cutting-edge global change research by focusing on a wide range of complementing study questions related to abiotic and biotic earth surface systems.

Position requirements

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Doctoral degree in Geography, Ecology, Environmental Sciences and Biostatistics (or a related discipline). The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• Demonstrated experience in community ecology or species distribution modelling using R, advance level work with R (or Python) and previous experience in functional and phylogenetic biodiversity approaches are considered an additional asset.
• Basic expertise in GIS (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS) is required.
• Experience in managing and harmonizing heterogeneous ecological, environmental, climatic, and related datasets is required.
• Ability for independent scientific work.
• Open-minded and enthusiastic towards research.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

In addition, we value:

• Knowledge on aquatic ecosystems, and/or aquatic plant ecology is considered as a benefit.
• Proven track record of securing competitive research funding (e.g., national research council, foundations) is considered a strong merit.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of more than 20 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for four years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3700-3900 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages). Summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
   
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation (related to your research)
   

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Janne Alahuhta, Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, janne.alahuhta@oulu.fi