Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

University of Helsinki

Employer: University of Helsinki – Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Position: Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor (tenure track for assistant/associate; full professorship possible)
Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time
Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland

Position Overview

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor in Restoration Ecology.

The successful applicant will have expertise in urban ecosystems and their restoration or rehabilitation, with relevant research themes including, but not limited to:

• Urban ecology
• Bioremediation
• Landscape design
• Restoration practices

Applicants with experience in assessing ecological or socio-environmental outcomes, field experimentation, or ecosystem-based approaches to broader environmental challenges are encouraged to apply.

The position is part of the Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL) multi-faculty initiative, which engages multiple faculties to create a leading European hub for transdisciplinary research on ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious, and socio-ecological diversity. Work may involve leading multi- and transdisciplinary teams on projects linking urban biodiversity, ecological integrity, and social equity.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a doctoral degree
• Have top-level scholarly qualifications and experience supervising scientific research
• Demonstrate ability to acquire research funding
• Provide top-level research-based teaching and supervise theses/dissertations
• Have a record of international cooperation in their research field
• Be capable of independent scholarly work, mentoring doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, attracting funding, and delivering high-quality teaching

Assessment criteria:

• Scientific publications and significance in the field
• Teaching experience, pedagogical competence, and development of teaching materials
• Supervision of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral theses
• Participation in doctoral education
• Success in obtaining external funding and international research experience

The University of Helsinki follows the DORA Declaration in evaluating scientific merit.

Salary and Benefits

• Assistant/Associate Professor: €65,000–€77,000 per year (gross)
• Full Professor: €75,000–€95,000 per year (gross)
• Startup package and access to research infrastructure
• Comprehensive employee benefits including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development support
• Support for international staff transitioning to Finland

Research and Teaching Environment

• Position based in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
• Access to Viikki Campus facilities and three ecological research stations: Tvärminne, Lammi, Kilpisjärvi
• Opportunities to develop and teach courses on urban pollution and restoration

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents in English via the University’s electronic recruitment system:

1. CV
2. Research report: Past 10 years of research activities, external funding (PI/co-PI status, funding agency, project name), and a future research plan (max 4 pages: 2 past, 2 future)
3. Teaching report: Experience and merits relevant to teaching (max 3 pages)
4. Publications list: Numbered list with a maximum of 10 highlighted key publications with brief explanations
   Alternatively, an academic portfolio may include all above documents

Contact for information:

• Professor Erik Andersson, Head of Department: erik.andersson@helsinki.fi
• Technical support for recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi

Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time

Further information:

• Tenure track information: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/careers-at-the-university-of-helsinki/tenure-track-at-the-university-of-helsinki
• International staff support: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/information-arriving-international-staff

About the University

The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university with over 40,000 students and researchers. The institution values truth, education (bildung), freedom, inclusivity, and a commitment to research with real-world impact.