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PhD in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change across Europe University of Helsinki in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Evolutionary Biology
Funding
Fully funded doctoral researcher position from the agreed starting date until 31 August 2030. Gross monthly salary starts at approximately EUR 2,600 per month depending on qualifications and stage of doctoral studies, plus a personal performance component. The position includes occupational healthcare and support for international relocation; 5% of working time is devoted to teaching and undergraduate supervision.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Finland
University
University of Helsinki
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About this position
Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position at the University of Helsinki in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change across Europe.
The project is part of THERMOTRAIT, a Research Council of Finland-funded programme led by Dr Emilie Ellis and co-supervised by Prof Tomas Roslin. The research combines butterfly ecology, climate change, biodiversity monitoring, museum specimens, long-term datasets, image analysis, ecological modelling, and statistical analysis in R.
The doctoral researcher will study how butterflies respond to climate warming across Europe, using museum collections and field collections to examine changes in body size and wing pigmentation over the last century. The work includes international fieldwork, museum specimen handling and digitisation, standardized ecological data collection, automated image analysis, large biodiversity datasets, and advanced modelling.
Fieldwork will span a European climatic gradient, including sites in Finland and Catalonia, with a planned four-month research visit to Madrid and shorter visits to collaborating institutions in Spain and the United Kingdom. The position is based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland, and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed.
This is a fully funded PhD position running from the agreed start date until 31 August 2030. The salary starts at approximately EUR 2,600/month (gross), depending on qualifications and doctoral stage, plus a personal performance component. The role also includes occupational healthcare and support for international relocation.
Applicants should have a relevant MSc or equivalent in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science, biogeography, or a related field; a BSc (Hons) may also qualify if it grants doctoral entry in the awarding country. Research experience, quantitative skills, strong English, and willingness to learn R, statistical modelling, and reproducible research are important. International travel, museum work, and fieldwork are part of the project, and a driving licence is normally required.
Apply through the University of Helsinki recruitment system by 30 September 2026. Submit a single PDF including a motivation letter, CV, publications list (if any), two referees, thesis/research writing sample, transcripts, and degree certificate or proof of remaining studies.
Funding details
Fully funded doctoral researcher position from the agreed starting date until 31 August 2030. Gross monthly salary starts at approximately EUR 2,600 per month depending on qualifications and stage of doctoral studies, plus a personal performance component. The position includes occupational healthcare and support for international relocation; 5% of working time is devoted to teaching and undergraduate supervision.
What's required
Relevant MSc or equivalent in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science, biogeography or another relevant field; a BSc (Hons) may qualify if it permits entry to doctoral study in the awarding country. Applicants should have research training or experience (thesis/dissertation, independent project, research assistantship or equivalent), a strong interest in ecological research, a foundation in quantitative analysis, willingness to develop skills in R, statistical modelling and reproducible research, excellent written and spoken English, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and willingness to undertake international fieldwork, museum work and research visits. A valid driving licence and willingness to drive during fieldwork will normally be required.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. Submit a single PDF with a motivation letter, CV, publications list if applicable, two referees' contact details, thesis or equivalent research work, transcripts with GPA explanation where applicable, and degree certificate or proof of remaining studies. Current University of Helsinki employees should use the internal recruitment portal.
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