Doctoral Researcher (PhD student), Peatland and Soil Ecology and Restoration Ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for two Doctoral Researcher (PhD students) positions in Peatland and Soil Ecology and Restoration Ecology at the School of Forest Sciences on the Joensuu campus. The positions will be filled for a fixed term from 01.08.2024 (or starting date as agreed).

Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 10 June 2024.

Role and salary

We are seeking two enthusiastic and highly motivated Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) to do research in the fields of Peatland and Soil Ecology and Restoration Ecology. In the position of a doctoral researcher, you work in the Peatland and Soil Ecology Research Group (led by Professor Eeva-Stiina Tuittila) where research is conducted on peatland restoration, peatlands as carbon sinks, and peatlands' response to climate change. In this position, you will be working in the School of Forest Sciences at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, on the Joensuu campus.

As our new Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) your main responsibilities will include:

• processing existing biological and gas exchange data,
• analyzing data and
• scientific writing.

The duties of a Doctoral Researcher also include some data collection, as well as field and laboratory measurements. The main task of a Doctoral Researcher is to conduct research for their dissertation and to complete postgraduate studies.

The positions for the Doctoral Researcher will be filled for a fixed 1-year term, from 01.08.2024 to 31.07.2025 (or as agreed), due to it pertaining to a candidate’s own doctoral degree. 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 for Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. For a Doctoral Researcher, the job-related salary element is EUR 2,220 – 2,770 /month, based on levels 2–4 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff depending on the stage of the applicant's doctoral research and postgraduate studies. The personal performance salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the personal performance component, the salary will be approximately EUR 2,585-2,720 €/month at the beginning of employment.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements:

• The person to be appointed to the position of Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) shall hold a Master’s degree in disciplines such as forestry, biology, geology, micrometeorology, geography, or another relevant field.
• The person to be appointed as a Doctoral Researcher shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies, e., the selected candidate will have to apply and be eligible for the Faculty's Doctoral Programme LUMETO. 
• Potential candidates should have a good command of written and spoken English.

Students in the final stages of a degree that makes them eligible to apply (e.g., a Master’s degree) may also apply provided that they complete their degree and deliver a copy of their degree certificate to the faculty by 31 July 2024.

The following will be considered an advantage:

• proficiency in using R programming language,
• expertise in peatland vegetation and knowledge of multivariate analysis methods,
• experience in conducting greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements and processing GHG flux data,
• demonstrated track record of scientific proficiency in publications relevant to the field,
• previous involvement in research projects and international collaboration.

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 10 June 2024 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

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

• a motivation letter (max 1-2 pages),
• a CV (www-page),
• a list of publications (www-page),
• 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,
• other documents to demonstrate your merits for the position.

If your degree certificate is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, you must provide official English translations of your degree certificate documents. All translations must be made by the issuing educational institution or an authorized translator. Each page of the official translation must bear the translator's stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be accurate translations of the original documents. Translations made by applicants themselves will not be accepted.

Questions?

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Eeva-Stiina Tuittila, email: eeva-stiina.tuittila@uef.fi, mobile: +358 29 4453535 and Assistant Professor Anna Laine-Petäjäkangas, email: anna.laine-petajakangas@uef.fi, phone +358 29 4453477.

For further information about the application procedure, please contact HR Specialist Noora Hämäläinen, email: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, phone: +343 44 9292715