Postdoctoral Researcher, Aquatic ecosystem services, Water4All consortium

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, located on the Joensuu Campus. The position will begin on 1 May 2025, or as agreed. Read more below and submit your application no later than 14 March 2025.

Position and salary

We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary project focused on aquatic ecosystem services, hydrological modelling, and nature-based solutions (Water4All consortium). As UEF is the leading partner in this international initiative, the position combines research and project management responsibilities.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to broader project research themes, while also focusing on the Finnish case study within the project, which explores moss paludiculture as a nature-based solution (NBS) for restoring former peat mining sites. The role will involve data analysis, spatial modelling, and stakeholder engagement to assess the hydrological and ecosystem service benefits of NBS, with a focus on nutrient retention.

The key responsibilities within the position are:

• conducting aquatic ecosystem services modelling, hydrological modelling and spatial data analysis, 
• utilising remote sensing and geospatial techniques,
• contributing to research on nature-based solutions, particularly moss paludiculture in Finnish peatland restoration,
• leading and supporting project coordination efforts, 
• collaborating with interdisciplinary partners across Europe, 
• publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals and presenting them at conferences.

The full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position will be filled starting from 1 April 2025, or as agreed, for a fixed term of two years. The position is filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to employment within the Water4All consortium. A probationary period is applied to new members of the staff.

The salary of the position is based on the salary system for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. The salary consists of a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job-related salary element is based on level 5 of the job requirement level chart (EUR 3,213.55), and the personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element.

Our requirements 

• a PhD in environmental sciences, geography, hydrology, remote sensing, ecology, or a related field;
• the doctoral degree may not have been completed more than five years before the candidate accepts the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.);
• demonstrated excellent English language skills;
• proven expertise in ecosystem services assessments, preferably in aquatic environments, as well as a background in hydrological modelling and spatial data science; 
• the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams.

We value experience in remote sensing, as well as knowledge of nature-based solutions and peatland restoration. Given UEF’s role as the project lead, previous experience in project coordination and proficiency in Finnish are also strongly preferred.

What we can offer you  

•  An interesting position in an international, creative, participatory and engaging university community,
•  The opportunity for international collaboration as part of a research team,
•  Staff benefits of the University of Eastern Finland, including comprehensive occupational health care, versatile staff training opportunities, affordable campus restaurant lunches and Sykettä sports services. 

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.  

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.    

How to apply? 

 Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 14 March 2025 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2).

The aim is for the faculty to decide on the persons to be appointed to the positions by 1 May 2025. 

 Please note that the application is required to have the following appendices: 

• A CV (Template for CV, TENK web page)
• A list of publications (Instructions, Research Council of Finland Web page)
• A motivation letter of 1–2 pages.
• A copy of the PhD diploma. The documents must be in either Finnish or English. For translated documents, only a Diploma Supplement issued by the higher education institution in question and/or other official translations issued by the awarding higher education institution or an authorised translator are accepted.
• Copies of certificates of language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas.

Questions? 

For further information on the position, please contact Assistant Professor Miguel Villoslada, miguel.villoslada@uef.fi. For further information on the application procedure, please contact Human Resources Coordinator Airi Leppänen, airi.leppanen@uef.fi.