Doctoral Researcher (PhD student), the Nordic Borealization Network (NordBorN) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Geographical and Historical Studies of the University of Eastern Finland is pleased to announce a Doctoral Researcher position in the Digital Geosciences research group. The researcher position is part of the doctoral network “The Nordic Borealization Network (NordBorN)”, which is funded through NorForsk. The employment at the UEF Department of Geographical and Historical Studies will (is expected to) begin on 15 May 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. Read more and submit your application no later than 15 April 2024.

About the position

The Doctoral Researcher will be based in the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies on the Joensuu campus of the University of Eastern Finland, and will work closely with the members of the Digital Geosciences research group.

The Nordic Borealization Network (NordBorN) led by Professor Isabel C. Barrio (Agricultural University of Iceland) will create a collaboration platform across the Nordic countries to understand the implications of the ongoing shifts in the forest-tundra biome boundary, that is, the borealization of Nordic terrestrial ecosystems. These shifts include the encroachment of woody species (treeline advance and shrub expansion), spread of non-native species, changes in the composition of biotic communities and in the trophic and functional structure of ecosystems, and changes in landscape structure and ecosystem processes. As such, borealization provides the scope for multidisciplinary work and highlights the need for a strong consortium with complementary expertise. NordBorN will bring together six Nordic universities and three associated partners who will jointly develop research funding applications and will create opportunities for mobility and graduate student co-supervision across Nordic universities. 

The Doctoral Researcher position will be filled by a person to be admitted to the  doctoral programme. 

The position will be filled for a fixed term of 20 months starting on 15 May 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter due to it pertaining to a specific project and own doctoral degree. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.  

Main duties

The main duty of the Doctoral Researcher is to conduct doctoral research in accordance with an approved research proposal. A successful PhD applicant will work with multiple scale (from drones to satellite) remote sensing of shrub encroachment processes in tundra and treeline dynamics. The candidate is expected to have skills in remote sensing and machine learning. The position entails both office work and field work. We welcome candidates with a background in geography, ecology, environmental sciences, geoinformatics and computer science. The position will provide a unique opportunity to be part of a large, active international team, and participate in project meetings in different countries over the course of the project.

The candidate will actively engage in the acquisition of funding with supervisors to ensure the full funding of the PhD. 

Competence and requirements 

Our requirements:

•    Eligibility for the Past, Space and Environment in Society Doctoral Programme. 
•    A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field, such as geography, ecology, environmental sciences, geoinformatics and computer science, or a related field.
•    Skills in remote sensing and machine learning.  
•    Independence and availability to travel and settle in the countries of the universities participating in the project and to carry out international academic activities.
•    Capability to develop a dissertation research proposal with the supervisors in the project.
•    A good command of the English language.

Considered as an advantage:

•    Experience in publishing international academic articles.
•    Good social, communication and writing skills.
•    A proactive, collaborative attitude, and enthusiasm for working and sharing expertise in teams. 
•    A high motivation for and an interest in the PhD project. 

•    Experience in research field work.

Remuneration and further information

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. For this position, the job requirement level used to determine the job-related salary element is 2–4 (EUR 2,108.40 – 2,628.85), and the personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. The salary of a Doctoral Researcher depends on the stage of the doctoral dissertation and postgraduate studies, as well as on personal performance.

We offer you:

•    An interesting position in an international, creative, participatory and engaging university community.
•    The opportunity for flexible multi-location work.
•    The staff benefits of the University of Eastern Finland, including comprehensive occupational health care, versatile staff training opportunities, affordable campus restaurant lunches, Sykettä sports services, and a tax-free bike benefit.

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 

Applications to the NordBorN programme (Doctoral Researcher position), should be submitted by using our electronic application form no later than 15 April 2024 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2). The link to the electronic form can be found at the end of this application notice (apply for the job).

Please note that the application is required to include the following attachments:  

•    A motivation letter (max. 1 page) that describes the applicant’s motivation to apply for the NordBorN position.
•    A curriculum vitae
•    Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates (i.e., Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for the Master’s degree). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached. Only official translation issues by the awarding higher education institution or an authorised translator are accepted. 
•    Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with the doctoral programme eligibility criteria
•    A list of publications 
•    The names and contact details of two references.

The interviews for the position are scheduled for the last week of April 2024. 
Questions? 

For more information on the position, please contact Professor Timo Kumpula, timo.kumpula@uef.fi.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact Human Resources Coordinator Airi Leppänen, airi.leppanen@uef.fi.