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University of Helsinki

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PhD in Plant Community Ecology and Response Diversity at the University of Helsinki University of Helsinki in Finland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Sep 18, 2026

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Country

Finland

University

University of Helsinki

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Biology
Biodiversity
Ecosystem Dynamics
Functional Traits
Plant Ecology
Statistics
Ecological Resilience

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About this position

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki is recruiting a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) in plant community ecology within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP (Response Diversity knowledge to Leverage Efficient Ecosystem Preservation and restoration).

This PhD project (DC9) focuses on response diversity, community stability, biodiversity, and ecological dynamics in boreal forest and tundra ecosystems. The candidate will evaluate how response diversity metrics and functional traits can explain and predict the temporal stability of plant communities under environmental change, using existing field experiments and new greenhouse mesocosm studies.

The position is based with the Northern Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning research group led by Dr. Elina Kaarlejärvi at Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland, with co-supervision from Assistant Prof. Laura Antão (University of Turku). The project includes secondments at Cardiff University and CSIC as part of the ReDiLEEP network.

This is a fully funded 36-month full-time doctoral position under MSCA Doctoral Networks. The estimated gross salary is about €4100–4600/month before taxes, depending on family allowance eligibility.

Applicants must have a completed Master’s degree in ecology or a closely related field, strong motivation for doctoral research in community ecology, and strong English communication skills. Helpful experience includes plant functional ecology, R/statistical analysis, Nordic flora identification, teamwork, and scientific writing/publication experience. MSCA mobility and doctoral enrolment rules apply.

Apply by 18 September 2026 at 23:59 EEST via the University of Helsinki recruitment system. Submit a single PDF with a cover letter, CV and publication list, degree certificate and transcripts, a mobility-rule statement, and two referees’ contact details.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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