Postdoctoral Researcher in Analysis of peatland ecosystem dynamics in response to changing climate and grazing pressures

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 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 Analysis of peatland ecosystem dynamics in response to changing climate and grazing pressures.

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, at the Faculty of Technology, carries out research on land, water and energy systems and their interaction. Climate change, environmental degradation and energy transition are societal challenges that motivate the research to find sustainable solutions. Our water research includes a strong focus on water engineering, hydrological modelling, hydrological process, groundwater, water quality, water supply and protection. It also includes studies of ecosystem and vegetation dynamics and how these interact with hydrology and climate.

This research involves studies at Oulanka research station and how data from this boreal site compares with long-term monitoring data from low- and high-arctic sites in Greenland. An effort to study vegetation and ecosystem dynamics along this gradient from boreal to arctic sites have recently been supported by the Kvantum Institute Spearhead program leading to the following announcement.

Job description

We are looking for a talented environmental specialist with experience in studying peatland vegetation dynamics, carbon and nitrogen cycling as these interact with climate drivers such as snow, temperature and also grazing. You will make significant contributions to ecosystem studies by conducting experimental work but also use existing long-term data sets from Arctic research sites including Oulanka Research Station and locations both in low- and high-arctic Greenland. This provides a playground of data availability along a gradient from the boreal to the high-arctic climatic zones.

The overarching objective of the appointment is to use existing experimental set-ups such as the EcoClimate experiment in Oulanka and compliment this with further experimental work at Oulanka and other sites to further our understanding of how high northern natural vegetation interacts with climatic (temperature, snow) and biotic (grazers, insects to mammals) drivers. Focus will be on contributing to a full understanding of the carbon cycle in these ecosystems, the Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance (NECB). In pursuing such further understanding of the NECB the studies also include working with data on land-freshwater-atmosphere exchange of trace gases.

The selected candidate will help continue operation of existing experiments as well as establish new and will work with comparing elements of NECB between contrasting boreal and arctic sites. There will be a considerable element of interacting with ecosystem modelers and specialists in trace gas exchange. This will provide a significant impact with new information on the changing vegetation dynamics as it influences the NECB in a “space for time” approach in the North and clarify how vegetation and ecosystem processes in high-latitude ecosystems respond to climate change.

The candidate is expected to strengthen collaboration, which has already been established, between University of Oulu and Aarhus University, and you will work in a multidisciplinary and multinational research team. You will also supervise doctoral researchers and master's students in collaboration with our senior staff. Some teaching and supervision of undergraduate students is also expected.

Who are you?

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

• Doctoral degree in biology, ecology, ecosystem science, biogeosciences, environmental science or equivalent experience. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago
• Strong background in vegetation data analysis including statistical methods
• Experience in handling large observational and/or modelling datasets
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated track record in scientific writing and publishing

We also appreciate the following know-how and experience in:

• Use of various relevant field measurements in cold environments
• Planning and executing field work campaigns
• Supervision of students and teaching and applying for external funding

What we offer

• We offer you an interesting and versatile position in strong research unit in water, hydrological and ecosystem research and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being.  Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR 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, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Duration and salary

The duration of the fixed-term position is 4 years, beginning on 1st of January 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

The salary will be based on the level 5 of the demand level chart for teaching and research 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). Typical monthly salary for a starting postdoctoral researcher is 3500-4000 € (before taxes).

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by November 3rd, 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A cover letter with contact information
2. Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the  guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
4. Brief account of research merits linked to this position (max 2 pages)
5. A copy of the applicant’s Doctoral and Master of Science degree diplomas, or, if not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date
6. Contact details of 2–3 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the expected research profile will be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact: Professor Torben R. Christensen, torben.christensen(at)oulu.fi, Senior Researcher Mikhail Mastepanov, mikhail.mastepanov(at)ecos.au.dk and Professor Bjørn Kløve, bjorn.klove(at)oulu.fi

We are looking forward to your application!