Postdoctoral Researcher, Geography, Faculty of Science

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities.

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to work in a two (2) year fixed-term position with our talented freshwater plant research team for the project Unraveling the effects of contemporary and historical changes in climate and land use on freshwater biodiversity in high-latitude regions of Europe and North America. The project is the Kvantum Institute’s spearhead project for the period of 2025-2028.

Description of the position

We are looking for one (1) talented and highly motivated research-oriented person to carry out postdoctoral research addressing the effects of contemporary and historical changes in climate and land use on freshwater biodiversity in high-latitude regions of Europe and North America.

The project aims to answer:

• Is land-use intensification a stronger driver of change than changing climate in explaining historical freshwater plant diversity and distribution?
• Are historical legacies of past climates and land use still shaping distribution and functions of present-day freshwater flora in Europe and North America?
• Are there long-lasting biotic imprints affecting contemporary freshwater plant communities, and do these legacies differ between continents?

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research in the project (in a fixed two (2) year term), publish research results in reputable international journals, and contribute to developing new proposals to further research in this area. Other duties may include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 10% of the total 1612 working hours per year) and co-supervising master's and doctoral students. Also, you will present research in the Kvantum Institute’s Researchers’ Seminar and possibly international conferences. In addition, you may have to participate in administrative tasks of the university and/or the Geography Research Unit.

Description of the research team

The postdoctoral researcher will join a multinational research team of biogeographers and ecologists. Dr. Janne Alahuhta (University of Oulu, Finland), MSc Misha Tseitlin (University of Oulu), Dr. Jorge Garcia-Giron (University of Leon, Spain), Dr. Daniel Larkin (University of Minnesota, USA) and Dr. Danelle Larson (US Geological Survey, USA) make up the project’s core research team. The position will be based in the Physical Geography Research Group (PGRG) co-led by Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta and located at the University of Oulu, Finland. PGRG contributes to cutting-edge global change research by focusing on a wide range of complementing study questions related to abiotic and biotic earth surface systems, including also Macrophyte Biogeography Lab led by Dr. Alahuhta.

Qualification requirements for the Postdoctoral researcher position

• PhD in Geography, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biostatistics, or another related discipline. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• Demonstrated experience in community ecology or species distribution modelling using R. Advanced level work in R (or Python) and previous experience in functional and phylogenetic biodiversity approaches are considered an additional asset.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and/or aquatic plant ecology is considered a benefit.
• Basic expertise in GIS (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS) is required; advanced level in GIS is preferred.
• Experience managing and harmonizing heterogeneous ecological, environmental, climatic, or related datasets is required.
• Ability for independent scientific work.
• Open-minded and enthusiastic towards research.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Proven track record of securing competitive research funding (e.g., national research council, foundations) is considered a strong merit.

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community. 

What we offer

• You will become a part of a highly talented research group that is working on strategically and globally significant research areas.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team where you can share and grow your expertise.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for two (2) years as of 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The project lasts until the end of 2028.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3900-4300 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.9.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time, UTC +3) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans are highly encouraged.
2. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 

4. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta, Geography Research Unit, [email protected] 

1. Janne Alahuhta, [email protected]