A postdoctoral position in ecological statistics at the University of Helsinki

The International Society for Bayesian Analysis; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 45 000 - 55 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Helsinki is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in statistics to develop methods for analyzing biodiversity and ecosystem function data. Responsibilities include working on hierarchical Bayesian models and extending species distribution models. Ideal candidates should have a doctoral degree in ecological statistics and experience with Bayesian methods. The role offers opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in ecological statistics, statistics, or a similar area required.
• Experience with hierarchical Bayesian models and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods needed.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret complex ecological data.

Responsibilities

• Work on hierarchical Bayesian models integrating ecological data.
• Extend joint species distribution models (JSDM) for ecosystem function analysis.
• Analyze effects of extreme climate events on species communities.

Skills

Hierarchical Bayesian models

Markov chain Monte Carlo methods

Ecological data analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Doctoral degree in ecological statistics, statistics, or similar area

Job description

Overview

Sep 8, 2025

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in statistics to develop methods for analyzing large scale biodiversity and ecosystem function data at the University of Helsinki.

Responsibilities

• Work on hierarchical Bayesian models that integrate heterogeneous ecological and environmental data.
• Depending on background and interest, focus on one of the following: extending state-of-the-art joint species distribution models (JSDM) to analyze ecosystem functions provided by species communities; developing methods to infer species and community-level phenological patterns from noisy and censored data; or developing methods to analyze effects of extreme climate events on species communities.

Collaboration & Development

The candidate is also expected to contribute to other projects within the Research Center for Ecological Change in collaboration with other researchers in REC. Opportunities for professional development, e.g. in project management, leadership, mentoring, teaching and grant writing, are available and encouraged.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in ecological statistics, statistics, or a similar area.
• Previous experience with hierarchical Bayesian models and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.
• Previous experience in ecological data analysis is considered a strength.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex ecological data and a keen interest in advancing understanding of drivers of natural populations and ecosystem functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to conceive, execute and complete research projects; ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Application

Link to the full call text below. Note the call text is one among three postdoc positions:

https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki-3-Post-doc-positions-in-biodiversity-science%2C-genetic-indicator-assessment-and-ecological-statistics/828626402/?feedId=350602&utm_source=CareerSite_UniversityOfHelsinki

Sign-off

Yours,

—
D.Sc. (Tech.), Professor of statistics
Department of Mathematics and Statistics and
Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme
University of Helsinki