Doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Science

Helsingin yliopisto; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Helsinki is seeking a Doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Science. This role involves analyzing quantitative forest structure and biodiversity data to explore relationships between forest and species diversity. Ideal candidates should possess a Master’s degree in a related field and have experience with ecological datasets and R programming. The position offers a fixed term of 3.5 years with a starting salary of 2600–2700 euros per month, along with comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Occupational health care

Sports facilities

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong conceptual skills and the ability to learn advanced statistical ecology tools.
• Prior experience with large ecological datasets is a strength.
• Interest in understanding drivers of natural populations and ecosystem functions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct joint analyses of quantitative forest structure and species monitoring data.
• Develop research questions on the relationship between biodiversity and forest structure.
• Use Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) for analyses.

Skills

R programming

Statistical ecology tools

Ecological dataset analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences, geography, or related field

Job description

Overview

The Environmental and Ecological Statistics Research Group (EnvStat) at the University of Helsinki invites applications for Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) in Biodiversity Science.

The EnvStat group operates at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Faculty of Science) and at the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (Faculty of Environmental and Biological Sciences). It is part of the Research Centre for Ecological Change (REC), which aims to generate a coordinated analysis of long-term ecological datasets collected in Finland to understand drivers and consequences of global change on biodiversity. EnvStat works at the interface of ecology and statistics to study how ecological and environmental processes shape the world and how anthropogenic drivers impact these processes. Using long-term ecological data, the group studies how environmental change affects species populations and communities and ecosystem functions, and develops state-of-the-art hierarchical Bayesian methodology. The group also applies research to applied questions such as environmental management and risk assessment.

For more information on EnvStat, please see the EnvStat webpage.

Position

Doctoral researcher position in biodiversity science

We seek a doctoral researcher for joint analyses of quantitative forest structure and species monitoring data to understand how forest structural diversity (e.g., composition, size- and spatial distribution of trees) and diversity of other species in the forest are linked. The focus will be on understanding the spatial scales of these relationships and whether they are context-dependent by varying, e.g., bioclimatic zones, taxonomic groups (e.g., insects, birds, mammals) or functional species groups. The analyses will be conducted using the state-of-the-art Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) in collaboration with EnvStat group members. EnvStat has long experience in developing and applying JSDMs. The candidate will contribute to developing research questions on the relationship between different dimensions of biodiversity and forest structure. Analyses can be complemented with scenario-based predictions on forest management impacts on forest biodiversity.

Qualifications include a Master’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences, geography, or a related field, strong conceptual skills, and the ability to learn advanced statistical ecology tools. Prior experience with large ecological datasets, R programming, and studies in statistics are considered strengths. Interest in understanding drivers of natural populations and ecosystem functions, and in interdisciplinary work between biodiversity research and statistical ecology, is desirable.

Qualifications

Eligible applicants are required to have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree by the start of the work. The appointee should apply for the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately. See the following pages for more information:

The process in a nutshell: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. For degree requirements and the application process, please visit the Doctoral School page: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-school.

Length, Salary, and Benefits

There is flexibility in the starting date. Selected candidates can start as soon as possible but no later than June 2026.

All positions include funding for a fixed term of 3.5 years and there will be a trial period of six months at the beginning.

The salary will be based on level 2 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will receive a salary component based on personal work performance. The starting salary is typically ca. 2600–2700 euros per month.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The doctoral researcher will benefit from courses, funding opportunities, and training offered by the University of Helsinki Doctoral School.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. We strive to promote an inclusive university community and encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

The application should include the following documents as a single pdf file. Please name the pdf with the field of the position you are applying to or prioritizing in your application:

• motivational letter telling which position(s) you are applying for and outlining why you are the right person for this task (max 1 page)
• CV and list of publications (max 2 pages)

Include also contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request.

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply for the position". Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to use the employee login.

The deadline for submitting the application is 19 November 2025.

For more information, please contact Professor Jarno Vanhatalo (jarno.vanhatalo(at)helsinki.fi) or University lecturer Elina Numminen (elina.numminen(at)helsinki.fi).