Start Date: 15 October 2026, or as agreed Job ID: 5102

About the Position

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

The doctoral researcher will work in the project ANEW – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks: consequences for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation, funded by the Research Council of Finland and Emil Aaltonen Foundation, under the supervision of Academy Researcher Emma-Liina Marjakangas.

The doctoral researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator Emma-Liina Marjakangas and other research staff in the project. The project also involves collaboration with Professors Heini Kujala (University of Helsinki, Finland) and Matthias Schleuning (Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany), who will co-supervise the doctoral researcher.

Together, the team combines expertise in ecological networks, spatial ecology, conservation science, and biodiversity informatics.

Research Project

Understanding how ecosystems respond to global change is one of the central challenges in ecology.

This doctoral project investigates how interactions between plants and seed-dispersing animals are reorganized under global change, how these changes influence ecosystem functioning, and how this knowledge can be incorporated into biodiversity conservation.

The doctoral researcher will focus on seed dispersal networks across Europe. The successful candidate will:

• Combine large-scale ecological datasets and species trait data.
• Use quantitative analyses to investigate how novelty of ecological networks varies across landscapes.
• Examine which environmental factors drive these patterns.
• Assess how this knowledge can improve conservation prioritization.
• Participate in fieldwork, including resurveys of historical seed dispersal networks in Finland and other European countries.

The project provides opportunities to:

• Work with large biodiversity datasets.
• Collaborate with international researchers.
• Develop expertise in ecological networks, spatial analyses, and conservation science.

The appointee is expected to complete:

• An article-based PhD thesis based on the empirical material produced.
• 30 ECTS of doctoral studies required for a PhD degree in Finland.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in ecology, quantitative analyses, biodiversity conservation, and global environmental change.

The successful applicant must have:

• A Master's degree (completed before the start of employment) in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences, or another relevant field.
• Strong skills and experience in handling and analyzing ecological or environmental data.
• Experience with data handling and analysis in R.
• Experience in working with spatial datasets using R, GIS programmes, or equivalent.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research team.
• Strong motivation to pursue and complete a doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

• Knowledge of global change ecology, conservation biology, and/or functional ecology.
• Bird and/or plant identification skills.
• Experience with writing and/or contributing to scientific publications.

Doctoral Study Eligibility

The appointee should either:

• Already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Sustainability in Society at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment,

or

• Apply for and obtain the doctoral study right within the six-month probationary period.

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.

Applicants must have completed their Master's degree before the start of employment.

Why Work for Us?

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to research at the interface of:

• Community ecology
• Biodiversity science
• Conservation biology

You will investigate how ecological interactions respond to global environmental change while helping develop new approaches for conserving ecosystem functioning in rapidly changing environments.

You will join the ANEW research team, consisting of:

• Principal Investigator
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research assistant
• Doctoral researcher (this position)

As the first researcher recruited to the project, you will have an excellent opportunity to help shape its scientific direction from the beginning while working in a collaborative, supportive, and international research environment.

The project also offers opportunities to:

• Collaborate with researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre.
• Attend international conferences.
• Conduct fieldwork in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.
• Complete a research visit in Germany during the doctoral studies.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences provides:

• Strong expertise in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and environmental sciences.
• Excellent research infrastructure.
• An international scientific community.
• Training opportunities.
• Language courses.
• Career development services.

Salary and Working Hours

• Fixed-term position funded for a maximum of 47 months (~4 years).
• Gross monthly salary based on levels 2–4 in the Finnish university salary system.
• Starting salary approximately €2,600 per month, depending on qualifications and stage of doctoral studies.
• Includes a personal performance component.
• Approximately 5% of working time will be devoted to teaching and undergraduate student supervision.

The doctoral researcher is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The University provides support for international employees relocating to Finland.

Employee Benefits

The University of Helsinki offers:

• Comprehensive occupational health care.
• Flexible working hours.
• Excellent sports facilities.
• Staff training opportunities.
• Support for international employees relocating to Finland.

Finland offers:

• High-quality free schooling (including English-language schools).
• Generous family benefits.
• Healthcare.
• High levels of safety.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Family-friendly environment.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 Helsinki time)

Applications should be submitted as one PDF file named:

lastname_firstname

The application must include:

• Motivation letter (maximum one page) describing research interests, motivation, and suitability for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications and manuscripts in preparation).
• Names and full contact details of two referees.
• Copy of the Master's thesis. If not yet completed, submit the latest version together with an explanation of its current status.
• Copy of transcript of records, including completed Master's level courses (or equivalent), explanation of the grading system, and weighted GPA.
• Copy of the Master's diploma. If not yet graduated, provide information on remaining studies and expected graduation timeline.

Applicants must have completed their Master's degree before the employment start date.

Further Information

For questions about the position:

Emma-Liina Marjakangas
Email: emma.marjakangas@bio.au.dk

For recruitment system support:

University of Helsinki HR Specialists
Email: recruitment@helsinki.fi

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of all genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minority groups.

COME JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!