Doctoral Researcher, Physical Geography, Faculty of Science

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join the Geography Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland. The unit is a highly acclaimed international academic community and has a strong track record of research. It has 40+ researchers and 300+ bachelor’s and master’s students and is one of the leading research units at the University of Oulu. In the previous international Research Assessment Exercise, the Geography Research Unit was assessed to be ‘outstanding’ (6/6) research unit.

About the job

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated person to carry out research in Kvantum Institute’s spearhead project ‘Geodiversity for mapping and conserving biodiversity in the changing Arctic – GeoBioArctic’. The overall aim of the project is to identify the potential of geodiversity in sustaining biodiversity under changing environmental conditions in high-latitude environments. The study is structured around three interconnected objectives: (1) developing methodology for measuring geodiversity, (2) exploring geodiversity-biodiversity relationships using the geodiversity measures and spatio-temporal plant species data, and (3) quantifying the role of geodiversity in changing ecosystem productivity. The project focuses on the tundra regions of northern Finland and Norway.

The research team includes Professor Jan Hjort, Dr Tuija Maliniemi and Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta at the University of Oulu. Professor Richard Field (University of Nottingham, UK), Professor Kari Anne Bråthen (UiT the Arctic University of Norway), Assistant Professor Julia Kemppinen (University of Helsinki, Finland) and Dr. Pekka Niittynen (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) are key collaborators in the project.

As a doctoral researcher you will:

• Conduct research in the GeoBioArctic project, for your PhD. The research includes field work in northern Fennoscandia and statistical analysis of geodiversity-biodiversity relationships. The research will follow the project plan and is conducted in collaboration with the other project participants.
• Participate in developing research ideas and questions.
• Publish research results in esteemed international journals.
• Other duties may include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 5% of the total 1612 working hours per year) and participating in some of the administrative tasks of the Geography Research Unit.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of senior and junior researchers where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• English as a working language.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Master of Science degree in Geography, Ecology, or related disciplines relevant to the project.
• Strong motivation to carrying out (geo)ecological research in high-latitude environments and readiness for field work in northern Finland and Norway.
• Knowledge of geoinformatics (e.g., ArcGIS) and statistical analysis (especially using the R Statistical Software), both at least at basic level.
• Capability to write scientific publications.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills but also ability to work independently.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. 
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We also appreciate

• Knowledge and/or identification skills of plant species in Northern Fennoscandia.
• Knowledge of species distribution modelling.
• Knowledge of geodiversity and/or periglacial geomorphology.
• Capability in obtaining external funding to support research

Salary and starting date

The position is for 3 years and will start from January 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approximately €2600-2800 per month (before taxes). A probation period of 6 months is applied in the positions.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.10.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages). The letter should summarise your experience, expertise, and skills relevant to the position. It should describe why you are fit for and interested in the position. Your own ideas pertinent to the project as well as information on career plans can also be included in the letter.
2. CV (max. 4 pages), following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. Please include the list of publications (if any).
3. Certificates/Diplomas (in English or Finnish).
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation (title, name, contact details, and a sentence or two describing the context of your professional relationship).

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the Principal Investigator of the GeoBioArctic project, Professor Jan Hjort, Geography Research Unit, jan.hjort@oulu.fi.  

1. Jan Hjort, +358(0)294481704