The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of a Doctoral Researcher in biodiversity change research.

The Doctoral researcher will be appointed for a fixed-term 4-year contract (Start date: 15 September 2024 or as agreed). The position is in the research group of Prof. Anna-Liisa Laine who will also supervise the work. More information about the group and research environment: https://lainelab.net  and https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/research-centre-for-ecological-change.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Prof. Anna-Liisa Laine are seeking a highly motivated PhD student study how ongoing biodiversity change – change in host population size and change in host community composition – alter disease risk and what the underlying mechanisms are. The work focuses on meadow vegetation and their pathogens the Åland Islands. The work combines field sampling with controlled experiments and sequencing of microbial samples. Long-term  data collected from the Åland Islands meadow network enable a unique analysis of past plant population and community change in response to human land use and changing climate. 

WHAT WE OFFER

• A fully-funded 4-year PhD student position at the University of Helsinki (the Viikki campus) with a flexible start date, starting from 15.09.2024.
• An exciting opportunity to conduct impactful research in a supportive and stimulating environment.
• Exceptional scope for collaboration both locally and internationally.
• Plenty of opportunities to attend international conferences to build your scientific network.
• Access to top-notch resources and excellent support for learning and professional development.

YOUR PROFILE

• A highly motivated student with a Master's degree in ecology, evolution, plant pathology or microbiology.
• Curiosity and aptitude for learning are more important than specific background.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Past experience in field work, statistical analysis or analysis of microbial data is considered an advantage but not a requirement.

We value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position, without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, origin, genetics, disability, or age.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the appointee does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell

The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be based on level 2 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be ca. 2400-2600 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period will be applied.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers).

HOW TO APPLY

1. A cover letter (max 1 page) detailing their experience and research interests.
2. Curriculum vitae showing the applicant's education, completed qualifications, work experience, possible list of publications and contact information of 2 persons for references (up to 3 pages).
3. Copies of Master's, and Bachelor's degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee Login button.

The closing date for applications is 28th August 2024 at 23:59 EEST.

We will process applications already during the application period and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Further information 
 

• About the position: Prof. Anna-Liisa Laine, anna-liisa.laine@helsinki.fi
• Recruitment system: HR Specialist Harri Hamara, harri.hamara@helsinki.fi
• Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
• Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)
• Why choose University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki
• Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences