"Open post-doctoral positions in ecological economics and environmental psychology"

The Human-Nature Transformations Research Group within the Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, is inviting applications for 2 Post-Doctoral Researcher positions to work on Horizon Europe funded projects.

The Human-Nature Transformations Research Group is an interdisciplinary and international group of researchers with expertise spanning sustainability science, environmental policy, governance, law, economics, ecology, philosophy of science, urban planning and education. We are united by a commitment to understanding and transforming human–nature relationships through innovative concepts, participatory and co-creative methods, and solutions-oriented research. Our work bridges theory and practice, addressing issues from biodiversity governance and environmental justice to nature-based solutions, eco-acoustics, serious games and multispecies justice, with a strong emphasis on real-world impact, inclusivity and just sustainability transformations.

The post-doctoral researcher (position 1 in ecological economics) will participate in a project which investigates and develops a new plural valuation assessment framework combining approaches such as natural capital accounting, cost-benefit analysis, participatory mapping, and multi-criteria decision analysis.

Essential criteria

• Excellent ecosystem assessment, multi-criteria and multivariate analyses skills
• Excellent economic valuation and participatory mapping skills, including advanced skills in spatial analyses
• Excellent scientific writing skills, including ability to lead high quality multiple-authored journal papers in an efficient manner
• Strong ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively in large inter-disciplinary teams from different cultural backgrounds
• Strong ability to support Masters-level teaching in the human dimensions of natural resource management
• Strong ability to support project administration

A 5% teaching commitment and additional service support expected. The position starts in September 2026 and has the possibility to continue until August 2029 (3-year contract). A six-month trial period will be applied.

The post-doctoral researcher (position 2 in environmental psychology) will participate in a project to examine the barriers, enablers and systemic change levers for scaling alternative socio-economic models for nature restoration. This includes examining the levels of participation in socio-economic models and the challenges of real participation over the short, medium and longer-term.

Essential criteria:

• Excellent social survey research skills, including the design and administration of surveys to multiple populations
• Excellent skills in univariate and multivariate statistical analyses
• Excellent scientific writing skills, including ability to lead high quality multiple-authored journal papers in an efficient manner
• Strong ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively in large inter-disciplinary teams from different cultural backgrounds
• Strong ability to support Masters-level teaching in the human dimensions of natural resource management
• Strong ability to support project administration

A 5% teaching commitment and additional service support expected. The position starts in September 2026 and has the possibility to continue until August 2029. A six-month trial period will be applied.

Working in Finland

It is expected that successful candidates for both positions can live in Finland for the entire course of their employment. Travel funding will be provided to conduct field research relevant to the scope of the work. All staff are expected to be in the University of Helsinki office for 40% of the work week when not on field work or leave.

What we offer

• Starting salary for post-doctoral researchers range from 3400–3800 euros depending on experience level and personal performance
• An exciting opportunity to conduct novel and impactful research in a supportive and stimulating environment
• Access to state-of-the-art resources and excellent support for further learning and professional development

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

• A response to essential criteria (max 2 pages). Please ensure you provide demonstrated experiences from your previous work in relation to each criterion (e.g., examples that demonstrate your skills or expertise)
• Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request

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 5pm Eastern European Time on Friday the 27th February 2026.

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: Professor Christopher Raymond (christopher.raymond@helsinki.fi)
• Recruitment system: rekrytointi@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