The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a project researcher at the Biodiversity Unit. The project researcher will be offered a 6 month full-time contract. Employment begins in May 2025 at the earliest, and no later than 1st of July 2025.

The project researcher will be working in the Biodiversity and Sustainability Solutions (BISONS) Lab. Our research team aims to contribute toward finding solutions for sustainable futures that can benefit people and nature. We focus on developing new insights on human-nature interactions and using that information to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainability efforts. We are an international and interdisciplinary research group and draw from a range of approaches for our research, with a strong focus on digital data and methods. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic project researcher with a strong interest in biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

The successful candidate is expected to benefit from and collaborate with other team members, which also includes a PhD student and three postdocs, as well as with an extended network of international collaborators.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated project researcher to investigate large scale patterns of public interest in biodiversity. The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland project “HINGE – A biocultural approach to the conservation of neglected biodiversity”. The overarching aim of the project is to reveal patterns and mechanisms of public interest in biodiversity, with a focus on poorly known species. This will be achieved by leveraging existing digital databases and using novel analytical methods to understand patterns and trends of public interest in species.

The ideal candidate has a background in biodiversity conservation, ecology, geography, or a related area, and experience in quantitative data analysis using programming languages (e.g. R, Python). Alternatively, candidates with a background in areas related to natural language processing, cultural evolution, or digital humanities will also be considered. Experience in working with large datasets and interest in pursuing a PhD degree on the topic in the near future will be considered an advantage. The project researcher will analyse datasets of digital data related to public interest in species to investigate patterns and trends of interest in biodiversity and conservation topics. The project researcher will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Ricardo Correia.

Working as a project researcher

The project researcher is expected to:

Collect, curate and manage data related to public interest in biodiversity and conservation topics;
Lead the analysis of an existing dataset using a reproducible workflow in R or Python;
Contribute to preparing a draft of a scientific paper aimed at international peer-reviewed journals

Who we are looking for

Requirements

A Master’s degree in Conservation Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field, e.g. Community ecology, Landscape ecology, Geography, Geoinformatics. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Natural Language Processing, Cultural Evolution or Digital Humanities will also be considered. Applicants must have completed their MSc degree before the application deadline.
Previous experience in data analysis using R (or other relevant programming language).
Excellent communication skills in both Finnish and English, both spoken and written.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

In addition, the ideal candidate would also have:

Strong interest in biodiversity conservation, human-nature interactions and sustainability topics.
Proven ability to produce peer-reviewed publications in international journals
Strong computational and statistical skills
Database or project management skills

The selection criteria are based on finding the most qualified and suitable candidate, including emphasis on the research potential of the applicant, as well as motivation and personal suitability for the position.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

Opportunity to conduct novel research on topics related to biodiversity conservation and human nature interactions;
Opportunity to enhance analytical skills (e.g. coding, statistical and spatial analysis);
Opportunity to contribute intellectually to the project’s aims and develop research ideas that can form the basis of a PhD application;
Supportive and stimulating research environment in an international and interdisciplinary group, with a working culture that fosters healthy work-life balance and equality;
Scope for developing national and international networks;
Access to state-of-the-art resources and a vibrant scientific community, with excellent support to further professional development.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be based on demand levels 2–4, 2225,83–2775,28€ month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. For project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will be in the beginning of the employment approximately 2400–2500 €/month.

There is a trial period of one (1) month.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Thursday 24.4.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

a motivation letter (max 1 page) where you:
1. outline your research interests and background and describe why you are the right person for this position;
2. include 1 short paragraph introducing a research question you would like to explore in this project.
a CV, including education, work experience and list of publications (max 2 pages)
MSc degree certificate(s)
names and contact information of up to two academic references (optional)

Other documents showcasing the candidate’s merits and suitableness for the position can be submitted as 'Other attachment' in the online recruitment portal.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant professor Ricardo Correia, raheco(at)utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaiketom(at)utu.fi

Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku

Multidisciplinary research and teaching lie at the heart of the activities of the Biodiversity Unit. As well as these, the unit also focuses on public outreach. We study biodiversity and disseminate knowledge of it both academically and outside the academic community.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

HR Excellence in Research Logo

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application

Dettagli del lavoro

Titolo

Project researcher Biodiversity research

Datore di lavoro

University of Turku

Sede

Vesilinnantie Turku, Finlandia

Pubblicato

2025-04-09

Scadenza candidatura

2025-04-24 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)
2025-04-24 15:00 (CET)

Tipo di lavoro

Ricercatore

Settore

Ecologia, Geografia, Geoinformatics (GIS)

Candidati

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University of Turku

Project researcher Biodiversity research

Informazioni sul datore di lavoro

Job description

Who we are looking for

Benefits

Salary and trial period

How to apply

Further information

Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku

Dettagli del lavoro

Five Reasons to Join the University of Turku’s Vibrant Academic Community

You'll Join a Top-Ranked University That Is an Educational Leader

The University of Turku Takes Its Responsibilities to Employees Seriously

Academic (and Employee) Diversity Are Key Focuses

The University of Turku Offers Help for Your Relocation

Turku Is a Beautiful Place to Live

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