Doctoral Researcher in the MSCA Cofund DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme, Geography University of Eastern Finland in Finland

The University of Eastern Finland is seeking a Doctoral Researcher for a four-year position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI). Based at the Joensuu campus, this opportunity focuses on developing a multisource-data approach for canopy composition characterization and habitat mapping in boreal and mountain birch forests near the northern treeline. The research will utilize drone-based, airborne, and satellite data, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity indicators such as deadwood, European aspen, and goat willow. Comparative analysis of canopy dynamics using LAI and ALS data, as well as mapping ecologically significant habitats with optical drone imagery and dense LiDAR point clouds, are central to the project.

The doctoral researcher will collaborate closely with the Digital Geosciences Research Group, the School of Forest Sciences, and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). Validation data will be provided by SYKE, including sampling from 10–20 ecologically significant sites and selected drone data. The position offers supportive supervision, access to comprehensive doctoral training, DP-FOBI activities (workshops, summer schools, research visits, secondments), and integration into a vibrant interdisciplinary research community. Opportunities for industry and societal collaboration are also available, enhancing the real-world impact of the research.

Employment is full-time for four years, with a total working time of 1,612 hours per year and a four-month probationary period. The salary follows the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions system, including a living allowance (€3,200/month), mobility allowance (€87/month), family allowance (€300/month), paid leave, holiday bonus, travel allowance (€1,500/year), additional travel allowance (€10,500 total), research costs (€6,000 total), and special needs support if required. Staff benefits include occupational health care, staff training, campus restaurant discounts, access to national healthcare, and affordable childcare and school services.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in geography, forestry, ecology, environmental science, geoinformatics, computer science, or a closely related field. Candidates must not have a doctoral degree at the time of application and must meet the MSCA mobility rule (less than 12 months in Finland in the past 3 years). Language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF must be fulfilled. Applicants should demonstrate strong interest in forests, biodiversity, and remote sensing, familiarity with multiscale and multisource Earth observation data, solid programming skills in R or Python, commitment to high-quality research, interdisciplinary mindset, teamwork skills, and willingness for national and international research mobility. Proof of English proficiency is required if not evident from academic credentials, and official English translations of degree certificates must be provided if originals are not in English.

Application materials must be submitted in English via the UEF electronic recruitment system by 10 August 2026. Required appendices include a certified copy of the Master’s degree diploma and transcript, CV, electronic copy and summary of Master’s thesis, Ethics Self-Assessment form, motivational letter, and proof of English proficiency. Applicants must use the provided application templates from the DP-FOBI website. Applications not adhering to format or language requirements will not be considered. The selection process includes eligibility and ethics check, external review, interviews, final selection decision, and appointment. Applications will be evaluated by external, independent experts based on academic merit and potential.

For further information, contact Project Manager Paula Inkeroinen ([email protected]) or [email protected]. Learn more about the DP-FOBI programme, the University of Eastern Finland, and living in Finland at the DP-FOBI website. This position offers a unique opportunity to join an international, creative, and inclusive academic community in Finland, renowned for its high quality of life, modern technology, and superb education system.