Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecological Networks and Biodiversity Conservation

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd; Helsinki; Hybrid; EUR 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland. The 24-month project ANEW investigates how novel ecological interactions emerge under global change and how they affect ecosystem functioning.

The successful candidate will lead analyses, coordinate field resurveys, and contribute to publications while mentoring junior researchers.

Qualifications

• A PhD (completed before the start of employment) in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences, or another relevant field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience handling and analyzing ecological or environmental data (in R)
• Research experience in ecological networks, community ecology, functional ecology, biodiversity conservation, global change ecology, or another closely related research area
• Experience in conducting ecological fieldwork, including bird and/or plant identification skills
• A record of publishing peer‑reviewed scientific research appropriate to career stage
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

Responsibilities

• Lead research on mechanisms underlying ecological network novelty and its consequences for ecosystem functioning
• Coordinate and lead field resurveys of historical seed dispersal networks in Finland and other European countries
• Contribute to planning and implementing international field campaigns
• Mentor the doctoral researcher and research assistant and lead collaborative scientific publications

Skills

Ecological data analysis

R programming

Ecological networks

Fieldwork

Education

PhD in ecology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in ecological networks and biodiversity conservation. The work will be based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the research project ANEW – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks: consequences for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation, funded by the Research Council of Finland and Emil Aaltonen Foundation, and work under the supervision of Academy Researcher Emma-Liina Marjakangas. ANEW aims to understand how novel ecological interactions emerge under global change, how they affect ecosystem functioning, and how this knowledge can improve conservation of species interactions.

The ANEW team consists of the PI, a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral researcher, and a research assistant. The project also involves collaboration with Professors Heini Kujala (University of Helsinki, Finland) and Matthias Schleuning (Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany). Together, the team combines expertise in ecological networks, spatial ecology, conservation science, and biodiversity informatics.

The position is funded for 24 months and is available from 1st January 2027, or as agreed.

About the position

Understanding how ecosystems respond to global change is one of the central challenges in ecology. This postdoctoral project investigates how ecological novelty influences ecosystem functioning and the ecological and environmental processes driving the emergence of novel interactions. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing ecological network theory while developing a mechanistic understanding of how changing species interactions influence biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading scientific role within ANEW. They will lead research on the mechanisms underlying ecological network novelty and its consequences for ecosystem functioning by combining large-scale ecological datasets, species trait data, ecological network analyses, and quantitative modelling. The postdoctoral researcher will also coordinate and lead field resurveys of historical seed dispersal networks in Finland and other European countries and contribute to planning and implementing international field campaigns.

Beyond their own research, the postdoctoral researcher will have an active role in shaping the scientific direction of the project by mentoring the doctoral researcher and research assistant and leading collaborative scientific publications. The position therefore offers excellent opportunities to gain leadership experience while building an independent research profile. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also have opportunities to collaborate with international researchers and present research at international conferences.

Selection criteria

• A PhD (completed before the start of employment) in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences, or another relevant field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience handling and analyzing ecological or environmental data (in R)
• Research experience in ecological networks, community ecology, functional ecology, biodiversity conservation, global change ecology, or another closely related research area
• Experience in conducting ecological fieldwork, including bird and/or plant identification skills
• A record of publishing peer-reviewed scientific research appropriate to career stage
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

• Experience working with large biodiversity datasets
• Experience with seed dispersal ecology, plant‑animal interactions, species traits, or ecosystem functioning
• Experience coordinating collaborative research projects or field campaigns
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team

We recognize that excellent candidates may not meet every preferred qualification. If your experience matches the essential requirements and you are enthusiastic about the project, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Why work for us?

This position offers an exciting opportunity to play a central scientific role in a newly funded research project addressing fundamental questions about how ecological interactions respond to global environmental change. As the project's postdoctoral researcher, you will help shape the scientific direction of ANEW from an early stage. You will lead field campaigns, coordinate collaborative publications, and mentor junior researchers. The position therefore provides hands‑on experience in scientific leadership, project coordination, supervision, and international collaboration.

You will join the ANEW research team at the University of Helsinki and collaborate closely with researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany. The project includes international collaborations, opportunities to present research at international conferences, and fieldwork in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is an internationally recognized research environment with strong expertise in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and environmental sciences. Located on the Viikki Campus, it provides excellent research infrastructure and a vibrant international scientific community. The University of Helsinki supports researchers through extensive training opportunities, language courses, and career development services.

Salary and working hours

The position is funded for 24 months. The working hours will be 1,612 hours on a yearly basis under the annual workload scheme for research and teaching staff.

The gross monthly salary is based on the salary system of Finnish universities according to the job requirement level for postdoctoral researchers (approximately €3,700–€4,200/month), depending on the appointee's qualifications and experience. Further information about staff benefits is available on University of Helsinki website.

The postdoctoral researcher should reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Helsinki offers an outstanding quality of life, and Finland is consistently ranked among the world's best countries for safety, work–life balance, education, and family‑friendliness.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities, staff training opportunities, and support for international employees relocating to Finland. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.

Unit: Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Sub‑unit: Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology

ID: 5181