"Postdoctoral Researcher in Remote Sensing of Peatlands"

We are seeking a talented and ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher in Remote Sensing of Peatlands to join the newly established Center of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration (PeatResC), funded by the Research Council of Finland, for a three-year position. The preferred starting date for the position is spring 2026.

Your role

The Center of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration (PeatResC) is a newly funded, highly competitive Centre of Excellence starting in January 2026, bringing together Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland, Finnish Meteorological Institute and University of Helsinki. PeatResC addresses fundamental questions on ongoing changes in northern peatlands, focusing on climate-change impacts on biodiversity and climate feedbacks, as well as the effects of upcoming large-scale restoration efforts.

The postdoctoral researcher will be based in the PeatResC research team led by Professor Miina Rautiainen at Aalto University and will work in close collaboration with partners across this internationally recognized consortium. The main research responsibilities include the development of novel methods and analysis of remote sensing data to monitor water table dynamics and biophysical properties of northern peatlands, from local to Holarctic scales. The position also involves participation in peatland field measurement campaigns, as well as teaching and student supervision at Aalto University.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to participate in extended field campaigns during the summer months, including travel for several weeks at a time and work in remote field conditions.

Your experience

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field
• A strong understanding of the physical principles of remote sensing, and demonstrated experience in developing novel satellite-based remote sensing methods
• A publication record in peer-reviewed, high-quality scientific journals as the first author
• Advanced data analysis and programming skills
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, a proactive and collaborative working style, and excellent written and spoken English

The application will be considered particularly strong if the candidate has one or more of the following:

• Prior knowledge of peatland ecosystems
• Experience in using high-performance computing resources
• Experience conducting fieldwork in remote or logistically demanding environments
• A valid driving license in Finland, and willingness to drive independently during field campaigns

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape research questions based on your prior experience and scientific interests in collaboration with other PeatResC researchers
• Be part of a large, interdisciplinary peatland consortium with regular exchange and collaboration with leading academic partners
• Opportunity to develop an independent research profile while contributing to high-impact, societally relevant outcomes
• Possibility to work with students and develop your supervisory and pedagogical skills
• Strong networking and visibility across institutions and international partners
• Experience in research coordination and funding

Our team works on the Otaniemi campus but occasional remote work in Finland can be negotiated.

The starting salary for postdocs is approximately 4050 EUR per month (before taxes).

Join us!

To apply, please share your application with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) latest at 23.59pm (EET) 18 January 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.

All applications must include the following materials:

• Motivation letter with the applicant’s contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)
• CV including details of all academic merits, and contact information for 2 persons who may be contacted to provide a reference (max 3 pages)
• Complete list of publications
• Summary of the applicant’s doctoral thesis (max 1 page)
• Copy of the applicant’s doctoral degree certificate

All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file (compiled in the order specified above).

Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

For more information about the role, please contact prof. Miina Rautiainen (miina.a.rautiainen@aalto.fi). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR partner Sanni Mero (sanni.mero@aalto.fi).