Postdoctoral Researcher (2 positions), Peatland Ecology University of Eastern Finland in Finland

The University of Eastern Finland is seeking two Postdoctoral Researchers in Peatland Ecology to join the Centre of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration (PeatResC) at the School of Forest Sciences, Joensuu Campus. These positions are part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland, running from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2028. The Centre of Excellence brings together researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, Finnish Meteorological Institute, University of Helsinki, and Aalto University, offering a vibrant research environment, training opportunities, and international networks.

Position 1 focuses on Peatland Carbon Sinks under Climate Change, Land Use, and Restoration. The researcher will process and analyse greenhouse gas exchange data measured using the eddy covariance technique across multiple research sites, including both running and new EC stations. The work involves machine learning approaches for flux partitioning and collaboration with national and international partners. Key questions include the fate of peatland carbon sinks under changing climate and restoration, and the role of peatlands in atmospheric methane concentration.

Position 2 addresses Large-Scale Vegetation Change in Peatlands under Climate Pressure and Responses to Ecological Restoration. The researcher will handle and analyse large vegetation datasets from Finland, Europe, and Canada, and work with time-series datasets from experimental studies to investigate how environmental variables regulate vegetation change. Key questions include changes in vegetation and plant functional traits over time, and the impact of extreme years (heatwaves, droughts, floods) on vegetation composition and plant properties.

Main duties for both positions include processing research data, writing scientific articles, supervising interns and thesis students, and possible teaching within the discipline. The Centre of Excellence offers summer schools, meetings, seminars, and research visits within the network. The research group provides an active and enthusiastic community with broad national and international connections.

Requirements for applicants include a doctoral degree in a relevant field (environmental sciences, physics, atmospheric sciences, forest sciences, biology, ecology, or related), completed no more than five years ago (excluding parental leaves, military service, etc.), good skills in spoken and written English, and scientific publications in a relevant research field. Position 1 requires ability to independently process and analyse eddy covariance-derived carbon flux data, experience with machine learning methods, and handling large datasets. Position 2 requires experience in analysing large vegetation datasets and applying multivariate methods. Advantages include research experience in northern peatland ecosystems, understanding of peatland ecosystem ecology, knowledge of peatland plant species, experience in measuring plant functional traits, familiarity with GIS, and versatile experience from multivariate analyses.

Salary is determined by the Finnish university collective agreement, with a job requirement level 5 and a personal salary element (6–50%). Starting salary is approximately EUR 3,825–4,020/month. Staff benefits include flexible multi-location work, professional development, occupational health care, staff training, lunch discounts, affordable sports services, and more. The University of Eastern Finland is known for its modern, international, and multidisciplinary research and learning environments.

To apply, submit your application via the electronic form by 29 April 2026, 23:59 Finnish time. Required documents include a CV, list of publications, academic degree certificates/diplomas, certificates of language proficiency, a motivation letter (1–2 pages), and other documents demonstrating your merits. If your degree certificate is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, provide official English translations issued by the awarding institution or an authorized translator.

For further information, contact Professor Eeva-Stiina Tuittila ([email protected]) or Assistant Professor Anna Laine-Petäjäkangas ([email protected]). For application procedure questions, contact HR Specialist Iiris Korhonen ([email protected]) or HR Specialist Noora Hämäläinen ([email protected]).

The University of Eastern Finland is a leading multidisciplinary institution with campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, employing approximately 3,200 staff and hosting around 17,000 degree students. The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology is committed to internationally recognised research and education in natural sciences, forestry, and technology.