Postdoctoral Researcher in hydrological and ecosystem modelling

Oulun Yliopisto; Oulu; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Finnish research university is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to contribute to hydrological and ecosystem modelling within the DIWA flagship project. The role involves simulating water and nutrient fluxes with a focus on Arctic and boreal ecosystems. Applicants should hold a relevant doctoral degree and have a strong background in numerical modelling and data analysis. Benefits include a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Wellness benefit ePassi

Buddy Programme

Development and career options

Flexible work-life balance

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Experience in scientific writing from Q1 journals.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Simulate water and nutrient fluxes, focusing on Arctic and boreal environments.
• Collaborate with SAFIRE profiling researchers.
• Participate in doctoral supervision and education.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Data analysis

Programming languages (Python, R, etc.)

Excellent communication skills

Scientific writing

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Relevant doctoral degree in hydrology/environmental science

Tools

Python

R

C/C++

Julia

Fortran

Job description

Overview

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

Your 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 several 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.

The University of Oulu offers

• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of a big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers\' working conditions and careers.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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

Salary

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:

1. A letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae (max 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: List of publications - Academy of Finland
4. Research statement or draft research plan (2 pages)
5. Teaching and supervision experience (2 pages)
6. 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
7. 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]