Postdoctoral Researcher in hydrological and ecosystem modelling

Karlstad University; Oulu; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Finland is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in hydrological and ecosystem modelling. The role involves simulating water and nutrient fluxes and collaborating with various teams on significant research projects. Candidates should have a relevant doctoral degree and experience in numerical modelling and programming. The position is full-time for three years, with a competitive salary based on qualifications.

Benefits

Development and career options within a large organization

Access to unique global research infrastructure

Support for career growth

Qualifications

• Relevant doctoral degree obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Strong background in numerical modelling and data analysis.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, Julia, Fortran, or C/C++.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong experience in scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Apply models to simulate water and nutrient fluxes in Arctic and boreal environments.
• Combine numerical models and analyse large datasets.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Participate in doctoral supervision and education.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Data analysis

Programming (Python, R, Julia, Fortran, C/C++)

Excellent communication

Scientific writing

Education

Doctoral degree in hydrology or related field

Job description

Overview

Postdoctoral Researcher in hydrological and ecosystem modelling

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 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in hydrological and ecosystem modelling. The postdoctoral position is linked to large-scale and long-term research in the water sector at the Flagship DIWA - Digital Waters, and SAFIRE - Safeguarding Biodiversity through Interdisciplinary Research on Habitat Restoration- a Profi8 programme at the University of Oulu, funded by the Research Council Finland. The position is located at the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, in the Faculty of Technology. Our water research team includes 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, groundwater research, water quality, water management, water supply, treatment, and protection. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and supersites in Finland with a unique and developing infrastructure. We are active in interdisciplinary studies in Finland and different regions abroad, with studies on climate, land, energy, and water analysis, modelling, and management.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a talented and experienced postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in process-based hydrological, ecosystem, or earth system modelling. You will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on understanding and modelling hydrological and biogeochemical processes and their interactions with ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. The work will involve developing and applying models to simulate water and nutrient fluxes, and feedback between terrestrial ecosystems and climate systems, with a focus on Arctic and boreal environments. Your responsibilities will include:

• Applying models to simulate water and nutrient fluxes, and feedback between terrestrial ecosystems and climate systems, focusing on Arctic and boreal environments.
• Combine numerical models, analyse large datasets, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Collaborating with SAFIRE profiling researchers, aiming to drive a paradigm shift in habitat restoration through transdisciplinary research and societal engagement.
• Participating in doctoral supervision and education.
• Collaborating with other postdoctoral researchers and senior staff.

Through the DIWA flagship, you will collaborate with national research partners, doctoral researchers, and postdoctoral researchers in a strong team with a focus on digitalisation in hydrology, water research, and management, using and developing different types of solutions for monitoring, data handling, data fusion, and modelling approaches to develop digital twins.

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position as part of a large and growing digital water research cluster in Finland and the SAFIRE profiling research team. We help you to grow and realise your full scientific potential and contribution. You will have the opportunity to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. You will also have access to our unique global infrastructure, where new studies can be initiated in collaboration with our team members.

• Development and career options of a big organization.
• We have anHR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To succeed in the position, you are required to have:

• A relevant doctoral degree in hydrology, environmental science, ecosystem modelling, or a related field. The degree must have been obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Strong background in numerical modelling and data analysis
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, Julia, Fortran, or C/C++
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong experience in scientific writing (e.g., from Q1 journals)
• Excellent communication skills

We also appreciate the following:

• Experience in supervision or co-supervision of doctoral researchers
• International experience and networking skills
• Experience in proposal writing
• Experience in the organization of scientific events and meetings
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to communicate with various stakeholders

The position is a fixed-term position for 3 years, beginning on 1.12.2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities, depending on your qualifications. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical monthly salary for a post-doctoral researcher is 3700 - 4800 € (before taxes), depending on your experience and qualifications.

How to apply?

Apply online by October 5, 2025 (23:59 Finnish time). The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

• Research statement or draft research plan (2 pages)
• Teaching and supervision experience (2 pages)
• A copy of the applicant’s Doctoral and Master of Science degree diplomas with transcript of records, or, if the Doctoral degree is not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date
• Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation

Eligible applicants best fitting the expected research profile may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, [e-mail]

Type of employment: Temporary position

Contract type: Full time

Number of positions: 1

Full-time equivalent: 100%

City: Oulu

County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa

Country: Finland

Reference number: 2025/554

Published: 2025-09-15

Last application date: 2025-10-05

Notes: Eligibility involves online application and closing dates; see original posting for detailed deadlines.

Further information

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