Doctoral Researcher in Ecology, Plant Biodiversity Change and Genetics University of Oulu in Finland

Doctoral Researcher opportunity at the University of Oulu, Finland

The Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics, at the University of Oulu is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher for the project “Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change”, led by Professor Anu Eskelinen and the Global Change and Biotic Interactions Ecology group. The project focuses on plant biodiversity change, global change ecology, plant community ecology, trait-based plant ecology, biotic interactions, dispersal, and soil seed banks.

The research asks how spatial context, dispersal in space and time, competition, herbivory, and intraspecific trait change shape heterogeneous responses of plant biodiversity to global change factors such as climate warming and nutrient enrichment. The successful candidate will work with existing datasets and also collect new data from long-term experimental systems, including field, greenhouse, and laboratory work.

Responsibilities include collecting plant community data, conducting plant trait measurements, performing statistical analyses in R, writing 2–3 manuscripts, publishing in international peer-reviewed journals, participating in conferences and workshops, teaching at BSc/MSc level, co-supervising master’s students and interns, and contributing actively to the research group.

Eligibility highlights: MSc in plant community ecology or a related field; strong motivation for doctoral studies; experience or interest in plant biodiversity research, experimental ecology, global change research, or trait-based ecology; excellent statistical skills; fieldwork readiness; good grassland plant identification skills; knowledge of grassland ecosystems; excellent English; teamwork and communication skills; and a driver’s licence or willingness to obtain one.

Funding and terms: This is a three-year, full-time fixed-term doctoral researcher position. The typical starting gross salary is approximately EUR 2600–3000 per month before taxes, with salary progression during the doctorate. University employee benefits are included.

Location: Oulu, Finland. The role is based at the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, with collaboration opportunities involving the University of Helsinki and the University of California, Davis.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time). Apply through the University of Oulu recruitment system and submit a motivation letter, CV, publication list if applicable, and degree certificate/diploma. If your degree is not yet complete, include your expected completion date.