Doctoral Researcher in disease ecology / spatial ecology / eco-epidemiology

The University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher in disease ecology / spatial ecology / eco‑epidemiology, starting in September 2026 or by agreement.

The Project

The PhD project is part of CLIMFOCI, a multidisciplinary research project investigating why tick‑borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) occurs only in highly localized foci in boreal environments. The core idea is that TBEV persistence requires a rare “perfect storm” of climatic, ecological, and host–vector conditions, operating across spatial scales.

The PhD will focus on:

• Identifying macroscale drivers of TBEV foci across Finland (climate, vegetation, hosts, ticks, migratory birds)
• Quantifying microscale drivers of TBEV hotspots within known foci using intensive field and microclimate data
• Developing hierarchical, spatially explicit predictive models to identify current and future TBEV risk areas under climate change

The work combines rich empirical datasets (ticks, rodents, hosts, vegetation, microclimate) with advanced statistical and spatial modelling (GLMMs, GAMMs, hierarchical/multilevel models), primarily in R.

The Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A MSc in ecology, biology, environmental science, epidemiology, statistics, or related fields
• Strong quantitative skills and interest in modelling
• Interest in disease ecology and climate–biodiversity interactions
• (Field experience and GIS/spatial skills are a plus but not required.

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 candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

What we offer

Employment is expected to start in September 2026 or as agreed, as a fixed position for 36 months. A 6-month trial period will be applied.

The salary will be based on the University salary scheme for research and teaching staff on level 2. The starting gross salary will be appr. 2 600 e/mo, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki provides its staff with occupational health and fitness services as well as professional development opportunities (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/staff-benefits). International staff are supported in relocating to Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/node/350).

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

Please send your application with following enclosures:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Contact details for two referees

The closing date for applications is May 20, 2026.

For further information on the position, please contact Dr. Teemu Smura: teemu.smura@helsinki.fi.

If you need technical support with the recruitment system or additional information about the application process, please contact HelsinkiUni Help, uni-help@helsinki.fi.