Doctoral Researcher

Three-year funded position as doctoral researcher in socio - ecological systems’ study of deer species at the Department of Biology, University of Turku, FinlandIn the project “social and ecological perspectives on the hunting of moose and white-tailed deer” funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, we conduct socio - ecological systems’ (SES) study of deer species in Finland. For this project, we now recruit a doctoral researcher for 36 months. The project focuses on the human dimensions of the management of the two most common large game animals, white-tailed deer and moose. Co-existence of humans and large game animals, representing a sizeable natural resource, generate many opportunities but also challenges and conflicts within society. A proper understanding of this natural resource system requires integrating both social and ecological perspectives; the focus of this position is on the human dimensions. The work is conducted in a workgroup consisting of personnel at University of Turku, University of Jyväskylä and Finnish Wildlife Agency. The position is based at the University of Turku in the Department of Biology. Main task of the doctoral researcher is the analysis of the social dimensions of the SES by survey data, which has partly been collected, as well as planning and analysis of an additional survey. Part of the surveys are to be integrated with the ecological analyses carried out by another doctoral researcher in the project. By combining ecological data and analyses with social data and analyses, we aim to create a holistic understanding of the system and provide applicable solutions for more sustainable human-wildlife co-existence in the future. Reports and scientific articles are to be produced as well as communicated in various ways. The design and analyses of surveys conducted follow Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) logic, where we are especially interested in the relationships between a priori hypothesized aspects (cf Tuominen et al. 2025, https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-16249-300436). Surveys are national, and differences in systemic outcomes and their drivers across Finnish regions will be an important aspect to explore. Focal groups of the surveys are the general public, landowners and hunters, containing typically several 1000s of respondents, and providing multiple points of view to compare. The workgroup has expertise and experience in conducting SES work and provides support in reaching the project’s objectives; training opportunities covering several aspects of the project are available at the University and further education is an integral part of the doctoral researcher’s work. Requirements for the position are (1) MSc degree in social, environmental or biological sciences or equivalent with relevance to the research topic; (2) capacity to conduct quantitative statistical analyses as evidenced either by training and/or documented experience; (3) comfortable in working as a member in an interdisciplinary team with members in various sites, and (4) strong in English, both written and spoken. Advantages are (1) training/experience in using SEM and software for SEM analysis; (2) training/experience in analysis of survey data; (3) experience in working in R; (4) understanding or experience with management of cervids in Finland (5) capacity to produce reports and (6) disseminate results in various platforms including oral presentations and social media. Lastly, although knowledge of the Finnish language in not a requirement, capacity to write reports in Finnish is considered an advantage. To apply, please send the following to verguofturku@gmail.com no later than Sunday 18 October.a. Letter of motivation for the position, with the names of two persons who can provide a referenceb. Curriculum Vitae formatted following the TENK format https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitaeWe aim to conduct evaluations in October. Start of the position is 1 November 2026 or to be agreed. The position includes personal funding consisting of a grant of 2667€/month for 36 months, but note that from this amount the recipient is responsible to pay the compulsory social security charges to MELA https://www.mela.fi/en/grant-and-scholarship-recipients/premiums/ and part of the amount paid may be considered taxable income. Questions regarding the position can be addressed to jon.brommer@utu.fi