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Doctoral Researcher in Archaeobotany University of Helsinki in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fixed-term doctoral researcher position for 36 months with a salary of 2700-2900 euros per month.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Finland
University
University of Helsinki
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About this position
The University of Helsinki is offering a 36-month doctoral researcher position in archaeobotany within the Research Council of Finland-funded NeoPlant project, which studies plant use, cultivation and the cultural roles of plants in Neolithic Finland (ca. 3000–1500 BCE).
The project examines a major transition in human history: the shift from hunting and gathering towards food production and farming, while also recognising the continued importance of hunting, fishing and gathering in Neolithic Finland. The research focuses on how plant use changed during this period and what archaeobotanical evidence can reveal about subsistence strategies, environments and everyday life.
The doctoral researcher will join an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Mia Lempiäinen-Avci and work with archaeological plant remains and datasets from Neolithic contexts in Finland. The position places particular emphasis on archaeobotanical analysis of plant macroremains, with opportunities to contribute to sampling, processing, identification, analysis and interpretation of material. The project also integrates archaeological and natural-scientific evidence, including radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analyses and ancient DNA, to build a more detailed picture of when and how cultivation became part of human subsistence in Finland.
The successful candidate will conduct an independent PhD project within the broader NeoPlant framework and participate in the collaborative research environment of the group. The role includes research activities, publication, conference presentation and engagement with an interdisciplinary network working on archaeology, archaeobotany and the human past.
The position is based at the University of Helsinki in Finland and offers access to archaeobotanical laboratory facilities and comparative botanical collections.
Funding details
Fixed-term doctoral researcher position for 36 months with a salary of 2700-2900 euros per month.
What's required
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in archaeology, archaeobotany, palaeoecology, biology, environmental archaeology or another relevant discipline. They should show a strong interest in prehistoric plant use and the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, have the ability and motivation to undertake doctoral research and complete a PhD within the project period, and possess good written and spoken English. The successful candidate must be able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team. Previous experience in archaeobotanical analysis, especially identification of plant macroremains, is an advantage but not required. Experience in archaeological fieldwork, laboratory work, microscopy, quantitative methods, GIS, palaeoecological methods, or other relevant natural-scientific approaches is also considered an asset. Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is not required.
How to apply
Submit the application through the University of Helsinki recruitment system. Include a motivation letter, CV, publication list if applicable, Master’s degree certificate and transcript, and contact details for two academic referees. A full doctoral research proposal is not required at the application stage.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.