(Postdoctoral) Project Researcher, Ecology and Genetics

6G Flagship; Oulu; On-site; EUR 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness benefit ePassi

Flexible multi-location and remote/hyb

Job summary

The University of Oulu invites applications for a Project Researcher with a Doctoral Degree to join the Stream Ecology Research Group in the Ecology and Genetics unit. This fixed-term post runs until 31.10.2027 and focuses on how climate, hydrology, land use and nutrients affect stream communities in sub‑arctic and arctic regions.

The successful candidate will plan and conduct research, analyze data, and contribute to papers and teaching.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD (no more than five years) in ecology or physical geography with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Firm understanding of research design and advanced statistics.
• Proficiency in English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research.
• Analyze research data.
• Write scientific papers.
• Communicate research results.

Skills

Research design

English proficiency

Statistical analyses

Education

PhD in ecology or physical geography

Tools

R

Job description

Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for Project Researcher with a Doctoral Degree to join our Stream Ecology Research Group in the ecology and genetics research unit for a fixed-term position lasting until 31.10.2027 to work on themes related to stream community responses to changes in climate, hydrology, land use and nutrient availability in sub-arctic and arctic areas.

About The Job

The position is linked to the “Greener rivers in the warming Arctic? Anticipating the short- and long-term effects of additional nutrient inputs” research project funded by the Research Council of Finland (Greener rivers in the warming Arctic? Anticipating the short- and long-term effects of additional nutrient inputs. - Research.fi) and the university's “Safeguarding biodiversity through interdisciplinary research on habitat restoration” profiling programme (Safeguarding biodiversity through interdisciplinary research on habitat restoration (SAFIRE) | University of Oulu).

In our research we use field observations, mesocosm and field experiments and existing monitoring data on biotic communities at different temporal and spatial scales coupled with environmental data from various sources. Our key interests lie at the bottom of the food webs: the diversity of benthic microbes and invertebrates and the rates of associated ecological functions in relation to environmental change.

• planning and conducting research
• analyzing research data
• writing scientific papers
• communicating research results

The position may include field work mainly in Northern Finland. A successful candidate is also expected to contribute to some degree to teaching and/or supervision of both doctoral and undergraduate students.

What We Offer

• The support of an enthusiastic research team and networks, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being, and flexible multi-location and remote work opportunities. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work-life balance: we don't count Saturdays as holiday periods!
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters! Read more about working with us.
• 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?

You should hold a recent PhD degree (no more than five years; or you will obtain the degree by the end of 2026) for example in ecology or physical geography with peer-reviewed publications in high-standard international journals. You should also possess a firm understanding of the principles of research design and advanced skills in statistical analyses, preferably using R. Experience on climate and land use change research is considered beneficial. Proficiency in English is essential.

As Personal Qualities We Appreciate

• cooperation and communication skills
• ability to work both independently and as a team member
• enthusiasm, creativity and innovative approach
• active participation in the research group and networks

Salary

The position is fixed-term starting from 01.11.2026 (or as agreed) until 31.10.2027. The salary will be based on the level MV9 of the demand level chart for other expert and support 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 approx. 3900 - 4000 EUR per month (before taxes) for a person with a doctoral degree. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

Type of employment Temporary position over 6 months Employment expires 2027-10-31 Contract type Full time First day of employment 1.11.2026 Salary TES Number of positions 1 Full-time equivalent 100% City Oulu County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Country Finland Reference number 2026/470 Contact

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact assistant professor Kaisa-Leena Huttunen, [e-mail].

• Kaisa-Leena Huttunen, [e-mail]