Postdoctoral Researcher/Project Researcher in treeline ecotone dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher/Project Researcher in treeline ecotone dynamics. The position will be filled for a 3-year term from May 2024 onwards (or as agreed).

Please find more information below and submit your application by February 19, 2024.

Role and salary

As our new Postdoctoral Researcher/Project Researcher you will be working in the School of Forest Sciences at the Faculty of Forestry, Science, and Technology in Joensuu, Finland. You will work in a project focusing on the dynamics of the treeline ecotones in northern Finland, and its consequences on ecosystem carbon storage. Your specific role is to study biome shifts among the open tundra, mountain birch forests, and the coniferous forests, and the role episodic (e.g., insect outbreaks) and chronic (i.e., ungulate browsing) disturbances play in catalyzing these shifts. The work relies on a combination of data from a unique network of 600 long-term permanent field plots, augmented with dendroecological and remotely sensed data. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland. 

We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher, with experience in forest and vegetation ecology, and a keen interest in the treeline areas and their fate in a changing world. Experience in dendroecological methods both in the field and in the lab are considered as a particular advantage, but we will consider applicants with different backgrounds relevant to the topic. 

Your main responsibilities include:

• conducting research in accordance with the research plan, 
• leading field data collection, analyzing data, and reporting the findings in high-quality scientific publications, 
• developing data analysis methods and approaches (incl. mountain birch dendroecology) jointly with national and international collaborators,
• communicating the research to both the scientific and the general audience.

Other responsibilities include mentoring and supervising graduate students in the research group, as well as participating in writing grant applications, and other projects within the group. You will also have a possibility to participate in teaching activities in courses relevant to your expertise.  

The position will be filled for a 3-year term from 1 May 2024 onwards (or as agreed). 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 is based 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 monthly salary at the beginning of the employment will be 3 730 – 3 920 €.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements

• The person to be appointed to the position shall hold a suitable doctoral degree in disciplines such as forest or vegetation ecology, dendroecology, environmental ecology, or another relevant field.

The doctoral degree may not have been completed more than five years ago at the time of accepting the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.). If the person to be appointed has received a doctoral researcher more than five years ago, the position will be filled as a project researcher.

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 oral and written English. English is used as the working language.
• Capacity for fieldwork in demanding conditions.

The following will be considered an advantage: 

• Experience with dendrochronology, especially of diffuse-porous species.
• Experience in leading a field team.
• Knowledge and experience in programming, statistical modeling, and/or analysis of remote sensing data.
• Skills in science communication.

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 join a young, and growing research group in the Disturbance Ecology of Forests in Joensuu, and to work in a meaningful role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community. Fieldwork sites are among the best-preserved natural environments in Europe.    

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 19.2.2024 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,
• motivation letter (max 1 page),
• other documents you wish to include to demonstrate your merits for the position.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Associate Prof. Tuomas Aakala, tuomas.aakala@uef.fi, tel. +358 50 351 1476. 

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