Doctoral Researcher, Ecology and Genetics

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Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

Doctoral Researcher

to join us, Global Change and Biotic Interactions Ecology -group, for the Research Council of Finland-funded project “Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change”, both led by Prof. Anu Eskelinen (Eskelinen Research Group | Global Change and Biotic Interaction Ecology).

Description of the project

We are looking for a highly motivated and research-oriented person to carry out doctoralresearch addressing the mechanisms of plant biodiversity change. In this project, we investigatewhat are the roles of mechanisms related to spatial context, dispersal in space and time, bioticinteractions (competition, herbivory) and intraspecific trait change in driving heterogeneousresponses of plant biodiversity to different global change factors (e.g., climate warming, nutrientenrichment). We aim for a more holistic understanding of plant biodiversity change in theAnthropocene, being able to provide answers to questions: how, why and where plantbiodiversity changes. The specific research questions can relate, for example, to (1) the role oftemporal dispersal via soil seed banks as a diversity maintaining mechanism under multipleglobal changes, (2) the role of intraspecific trait change in modifying the effects of climatic andother global changes on plant biodiversity, and (3) relative and interactive roles of spatial context(i.e., connectivity and habitat size), dispersal and herbivory in mediating plant biodiversityresponse to global changes. A suitable combination of these questions/ideas will be developedtogether with the project leader. We use already existing data (ready to be analyzed) and will alsocollect new data from two unique, existing long-term experimental systems to address theseresearch questions.

Your tasks

As a Doctoral Researcher, you will conduct research in the “Mechanisms of Plant BiodiversityChange” project described above and complete a doctoral degree and studies studies at theUniversity of Oulu Graduate School. Your specific tasks are:

• Collecting new data on plant communities (field, greenhouse and laboratory work),including organizing and planning the work
• Conducting plant trait measurements
• Conducting statistical analyses on new and already existing research data from long-termfield experiments
• Writing manuscripts (2-3) and publishing the research findings in high-qualityinternational peer-reviewed journals under the guidance/supervision of your mentor andin collaboration with other researchers
• Participating national and international conferences and workshops, when relevant
• Teaching in BSc/MSc level courses and co-supervising master's students and interns.
• Being an active member of the working group

Although the position will be based at the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit in Oulu, thedoctoral researcher will also collaborate with an international researcher team from, for example, the University of Helsinki, Finland and the University of California, Davis, USA. There may also be research visit(s) to these collabortors’ groups.

Qualification requirements for the Doctoral researcher position

• MSc in plant community ecology or equivalent field
• Strong motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm towards ecological research and to pursuedoctoral studies
• Experience and interest in some of the following: plant biodiversity research, experimentalresearch, global change research, trait-based plant ecology
• Excellent statistical skills with software R
• Ability to travel and do field work, experience in field work
• Good grassland plant identification skills and ability to quickly learn new species
• Knowledge of grassland ecosystems (e.g., temperate, tundra)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Good communication and teamwork skills, ability to work in an international team
• Driver’s licence is needed or willingness to acquire one
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

Assessment of the applicants will be based on, acknowledging the content of the job, 1) overall fit to the above profile, 2) scientific publications (if applicable), 3) motivation, 4) previous work experience, 5) national and international mobility and networking skills, and 5) other academic activities and merits.

What we offer

• A three-year, full-time Doctoral Researcher position in an ambitious project
• Opportunities for national and international collaboration, conference participation, co-authored publications and research mobility if relevant to your doctoral project
• You will become a part of a highly enthusiastic and talented research group that isworking on globally significant research areas
• Possibility for a flexible combination of presence work and remote work (this can benegotiated, depending on the situation of the applicant and project demands)
• Full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including freetime corresponding to holidays and free occupational health care services. The successfulcandidate will receive also benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, forexample possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits foremployees with children, and high-quality affordable childcare services.
• 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 your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an 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, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three (3) years as of February 1, 2027 or as soon as possiblethereafter. The start date is flexible and can be negotiated.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and researchstaff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performancewill be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The typical starting gross salarywill be approx. 2600-3000 € per month (before taxes). As the doctoral research progresses, thereis salary progression in accordance with the University salary system.A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by November 15, 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time, UTC +3)through our recruitment system. Only applications sent via the online system will be considered.

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

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience,and expertise, research interests and motivation, and describing why the applicant isinterested in this position. The motivation letter should also include contact informationof two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on theshortlisted candidates.2. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity3. List of publications, if applicable, following the guidelines of the Research Council ofFinland4. A copy of the relevant degree certificate or diploma; if the qualifying degree is not yetcomplete, please describe your expected completion date

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The refernces of the shortlisted candidates will also contacted. Allapplicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders,languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Anu Eskelinen (anu.eskelinen(at)oulu.fi)