Postdoctoral Researcher, Ecology and Genetics

Login and apply

Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics

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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us, Global Change and Biotic Interactions Ecology -group, for the Research Council of Finland-funded project “Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change”, both led by Prof. Anu Eskelinen (Eskelinen Research Group | Global Change and Biotic Interaction Ecology).

Description Of The Position

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented, strongly research-oriented person to carry

out postdoctoral research addressing the mechanisms of plant biodiversity change. In this

project, we investigate what are the roles of mechanisms related to spatial context, dispersal in

space and time, biotic interactions (competition, herbivory) and intraspecific trait change in

driving heterogeneous responses of plant biodiversity to different global change factors (e.g.,

climate warming, nutrient enrichment). We aim for a more holistic understanding of plant

biodiversity change in the Anthropocene, being able to provide answers to questions: how, why

and where plant biodiversity changes. The research questions can relate, for example, to (1) the

role of seed banks as a diversity maintaining mechanism under multiple global changes, (2) the

role of competition for light and other mechanisms such as litter and loss of herbivory in driving

diversity loss under climatic and other global changes, and (3) the role of intraspecific trait

change in modifying the effects of climatic and other global changes on plant biodiversity. These

will be developed together with the project leader.

The postdoctoral researcher in collaboration with the project leader and collaborators will use

existing data from long-term global change experiments, analyze data, and write

manuscripts/publish articles in highly reputable international journals. These data come from two

experiments: (1) eDiValo experiment that was designed to test the ecological impacts of light on

plant community diversity (Eskelinen et al. 2022 Nature), and (2) a long-term experiment in

tundra manipulating temperature, grazing and nutrients (Kaarlejärvi et al. 2017 Nat Comm). There

is also a possibility for some experimental field work, although the position is mostly targeted

using already existing long-term experimental data.

Other duties may include teaching in undergraduate/graduate courses and co-supervising

master's and doctoral students and contributing to developing new proposals to continue further

research in this area. In addition, you may have to participate in administrative tasks of the

university and/or the Ecology and Genetics Unit. Although the position will be based at the

Ecology and Genetics Research Unit in Oulu, the doctoral researcher will also collaborate with an international researcher team from, for example, the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research iDiv, Germany, and the University of Helsinki, Finland. There may also be research visit(s) to these collabortors’ groups. We also expect participation to international conferences.

Qualification Requirements For The Postdoctoral Researcher Position

PhD in plant community ecology or equivalent field (obtained within the past 10 years)Demonstrated ability to prepare independently high-impact manuscripts/publications for international journalsDemonstrated experience and knowledge of plant biodiversity research, experimental research, global change research, trait-based plant ecology, or some combination of theseStrong statistical, data exploration and data management skills, excellent skills with software RKnowledge of grassland ecosystems (e.g., temperate, tundra)Ability for independent scientific workOpen-mindedness, curiosity, strong motivation and enthusiasm towards research and scienceExcellent written and spoken EnglishGood communication and teamwork skills.

Assessment of the applicants will be based on, acknowledging the content of the job, 1) overall

fit to the above profile, 2) scientific publications, 3) motivation, 4) previous work experience, 5)

national and international mobility and networking skills, and 5) other academic activities and

merits.

What We Offer

You will become a part of a highly enthusiastic and talented research group that is working on globally significant research areasThe support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team where you can share and grow your expertise.Inspiring, novel, and ambitious study questions/systemsPossibility for a flexible combination of presence work and remote work (this can be negotiated, depending on the situation of the applicant and project demands)Full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including free time corresponding to holidays and free occupational health care services. The successful candidate will also receive benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, for example, the possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with children, and high-quality affordable childcare services.Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.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.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for two (2) years as of February 1, 2027 or as soon as possible

thereafter. The start date is flexible and can be negotiated.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be

approx. 3900-4300 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by November 15, 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time, UTC +3)

through our recruitment system. Only applications sent via the online system will be considered.

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

A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience, expertise, research interests and motivation, and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal career plans are highly encouraged.CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research IntegrityList of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of FinlandContact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-

site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas,

and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders,

languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Anu Eskelinen (anu.eskelinen(at)oulu.fi)

Type of employment Temporary position over 6 months Contract type Full time Salary TES Number of positions 1 Full-time equivalent 100% City Oulu County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Country Finland Reference number 2026/568 Published 24.Sep.2026 Last application date 15.Nov.2026

Login and apply

Share links

Return to job vacancies