Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Stewardship

Helsingin yliopisto; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in data stewardship, FAIR/Open Science, and training for research infrastructure staff. The role links to Horizon Europe projects ST4RIS and STARDAST, based in INAR, Viikki, Helsinki, initially for one year with possible extension.

Remuneration follows Finnish university scales, with a starting salary around 3,700–4,000 euros per month plus performance pay. Flexible start Oct 2026–Jan 2027.

Qualifications

• The candidate should hold a PhD in environmental science, data science or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in data stewardship, FAIR/Open Science, and research data management.
• Experience designing and delivering training for technical or academic audiences.
• Strong ability to translate complex topics into effective learning experiences.
• Excellent written and spoken English with international collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on data stewardship, FAIR/Open Science, and competence development in distributed environmental observation networks.
• Design and carry out training‑needs assessments with research infrastructure staff, researchers, data specialists, and project partners.
• Define learning outcomes and develop modular courses, workshops, webinars, digital resources, and openly reusable materials.
• Deliver training, and peer learning, and evaluate participation, learning, and uptake to improve training.
• Prepare and support project documentation, reports, and communications for technical and scientific audiences.
• Contribute to practical data stewardship, FAIR implementation, and interoperability work.
• Participating in activities linked to the Finnish eLTER community and related European research infrastructure initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication skills

International collaboration

English proficiency

Data stewardship / FAIR practices

Training design and delivery

Education

PhD in environmental science, data science or related field

Job description

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the areas of data stewardship, research data management, and FAIR/Open Science practices, as well as in research infrastructure-related training and knowledge exchange. The position is linked to two Horizon Europe-funded projects — ST4RIS (Strengthening and Training for Research Infrastructure Staff) and STARDAST (Stewardship and Recognition for Data Science Talent) — starting in autumn 2026. The successful candidate will join the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) at the Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, and contribute to activities connected to the Finnish eLTER (Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research) community. The position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on project funding and continuation.

ST4RIS

ST4RIS focuses on strengthening training opportunities, mobility, recognition, and career development for technical staff working in European environmental research infrastructures. The project develops modular training activities, supports interoperability across infrastructures (in particular eLTER and ICOS – Integrated Carbon Observation System), and promotes collaborative learning and professional development.

STARDAST

STARDAST focuses on advancing data stewardship practices in science by supporting FAIR and Open Science implementation, strengthening data steward competencies, and developing institutional and cross-sectoral approaches to research data management and EOSC-related practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on data stewardship, FAIR/Open Science implementation, and competence development in distributed environmental observation networks.
• Design and carry out training‑needs assessments with research infrastructure staff, researchers, data specialists, and project partners.
• Define learning outcomes and develop modular courses, workshops, webinars, digital resources, and openly reusable materials.
• Deliver training, and peer learning, and evaluate participation, learning, and uptake to improve training.
• Prepare and support project documentation, reports, and communications for technical and scientific audiences.
• Contribute to practical data stewardship, FAIR implementation, and interoperability work.
• Participating in activities linked to the Finnish eLTER community and related European research infrastructure initiatives.

Depending on the candidate’s background and expertise, the emphasis of the role may vary between data stewardship, training development, communication, coordination, and project implementation activities.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative person with strong communication skills and demonstrated interest in FAIR/Open Science practices, research infrastructures, and international collaboration. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to training and knowledge exchange, coordination, interoperability, data stewardship implementation, and community‑building activities across European research infrastructure networks.

We expect the successful candidate to have:

• A relevant doctorate, for example in environmental science, data science or informatics, information studies, or education. The doctoral degree must be granted before the beginning of employment.
• Scientific contributions to environmental observation networks, research infrastructures, data stewardship, research data management, or FAIR/Open Science, demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications or other academic outputs.
• Knowledge of research data management and FAIR/Open Science, together with the ability to formulate research questions, select suitable methods, analyse evidence, and communicate findings independently.
• Experience in designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating training for technical or academic audiences, demonstrated through practical experience, pedagogical training, learning materials, or other teaching merits.
• Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and organisational topics into effective learning experiences.
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills, experience in international or multidisciplinary settings, and excellent written and spoken English.

The following are considered an advantage:

• Experience with environmental research infrastructures, long-term observation networks, or scientific services.
• Experience with data management plans, metadata standards, semantic interoperability, or FAIR assessment tools.
• Experience with training‑needs analysis, learning evaluation, competence-based education, or digital learning environments.
• Formal pedagogical training and familiarity with EOSC-related practices.
• Knowledge in written and spoken Finnish language.

Applicants who are motivated to further develop their expertise in data stewardship, Open Science, and research infrastructure support are encouraged to apply as well.

What we offer

The University of Helsinki offers an international and inspiring working environment with opportunities to contribute to impactful European research infrastructure initiatives and Open Science activities. The selected candidate will work within the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) and Department of Forest Sciences at the Viikki campus, and collaborate closely with researchers, data specialists, technical staff, and international partners connected to the Finnish eLTER community and broader European research networks. The position provides opportunities to engage with: European and global research infrastructures, FAIR and Open Science implementation, training and educational development, EOSC-related activities, and international interdisciplinary collaboration.

Salary and terms of employment

The position is fixed‑term for one year, with a flexible start between October 2026 and January 2027, depending on practical arrangements. The salary of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary is typically around 3700–4000 euros per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. A three‑month trial period will be applied. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The workplace of the position is at Viikki campus in Helsinki.

For further information about the position, please contact: Allan T. Souza ([e-mail]) and Jaana Bäck ([e-mail]).

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

• PhD in environmental science, data science or related field
• Strong background in data stewardship or data management
• Experience in training design and delivery
• Excellent written and spoken English