Postdoctoral Researcher (disturbance ecology and biogeochemistry of greenhouse gasses) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (Disturbance ecology and biogeochemistry of greenhouse gasses) position on the Joensuu campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term from 4 March 2024 (or as agreed) – until 28 February 2026.

Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 09.02.2024. 

Role and salary

The person to be appointed to this position will work at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences (http://www.uef.fi/en/web/envbio) in the Disturbances and biogeochemistry research team that is closely connected with the Biogeochemistry research group in Kuopio (http://www.uef.fi/en/web/bgc) and Plant ecology research group in Joensuu. The position will be funded by the four-year project “Climate and air quality impacts of boreal forest fires” (Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation). The project will use a comprehensive approach (both field and laboratory measurements) to define the fire-related emission factors for greenhouse gases and relevant aerosol species in the boreal forests of Fennoscandia.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with experience in working with soil biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4 and N2O) fluxes. A strong track record in working in the field and laboratory environments and studying biogeochemical pathways and soil greenhouse gas fluxes will be considered as an advantage. 

 As our new Postdoctoral Researcher you will principally carry out research and your tasks include: 

• Work with already existing datasets (changes in post-fire soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and greenhouse gas fluxes) collected from different fire-damaged areas all over the boreal forest zone.
• Gas flux measurements in newly established prescribed/restoration fire areas in Eastern Finland.
• Developing and implementing the greenhouse gas flux calculations and data control (experience in R and using relevant packages).
• Reporting of results and preparation of scientific publications.
• Participation in supervising Bachelor's and Master’s students, and a certain amount of teaching.
• Participation in writing grant applications and developing scientific collaborations.

The position will be filled from 4 March 2024 (or as agreed) until 28.02.2026. The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project task. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.  

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job requirement component and a personal performance component. In this position, the job requirement component isbased on level 5 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff. The personal performance component can be a minimum of 6 % and a maximum of 50 % of the above-mentioned sum. The estimated salary at the beginning of the employment will be 3 730 – 3 920 €.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements

• PhD in suitable fields such as forest soil science, environmental ecology, biogeochemistry, biology or another relevant field.
• The person to be appointed as the postdoctoral researcher is required to hold a doctoral degree, which may not have been completed more than five years ago at the time of accepting the position. (In this context, the 5 years refers to a net period of time, which does not include maternity leaves, parental leaves, military service, etc.). Persons graduating with a PhD in the near future are also encouraged to apply, however, they are expected to hold a PhD degree by the starting date of the position.
• Good skills in written and oral English (working language is English).

The following will be considered an advantage:

• A strong track record in working in the field and laboratory environments and studying biogeochemical pathways and soil greenhouse gas fluxes.
• Good communication and presentation capabilities as evidenced by contributions to scientific conferences.
• Knowledge and experience in using the R program.
• The ability to work in international and multidisciplinary research teams.

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including:

• opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• extensive occupational health care
• broad selection of staff training
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
• affordable sports services and tax-free bike benefit

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

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting, meaningful and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

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 09.02.2024 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

• CV (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae),
• a list of publications (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/),
  copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas,
• a motivation letter (max. 1 page), including the names and contact information of two referees,
• other documents you wish to include to demonstrate your merits for the position.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact: University Researcher Kajar Köster, e-mail: kajar.koster@uef.fi, tel. +358 40 144 2311.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact Human Resources Coordinator Noora Hämäläinen, e-mail: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 445 8302.