PhD Candidate in Response Diversity & Ecosystem Stability

University of Helsinki; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Helsinki invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate position (DC9) within the ReDiLEEP MSCA Doctoral Network. The project studies response diversity and stability of boreal forest and tundra plant communities under environmental change, with secondments to CSIC and Cardiff University.

The candidate will base at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, contribute to a 36‑month PhD, and collaborate across Europe to translate ecological knowledge into ecosystem management and policy impact.

Qualifications

• Strong background in biodiversity and ecological dynamics.
• Experience with field experiments or mesocosm studies is beneficial.
• Interest in response diversity and ecosystem resilience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral studies and independent research work leading to a PhD thesis within 3 years.
• Familiarize with literature on functional traits, response diversity and community stability.
• Co-design and run greenhouse mesocosm experiments.
• Analyze and interpret data to produce scientific articles linking response diversity to stability.
• Follow the research plan and contribute to group discussions.
• Participate in ReDiLEEP network training, secondments, dissemination, and cohort activities.

Skills

Community ecology

Biodiversity

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in ecology or related field

Job description

University of Helsinki invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate position (DC9) within the ReDiLEEP MSCA Doctoral Network. The project studies response diversity and stability of boreal forest and tundra plant communities under environmental change, with secondments to CSIC and Cardiff University.

The candidate will base at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, contribute to a 36‑month PhD, and collaborate across Europe to translate ecological knowledge into ecosystem management and policy impact.