Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography, Faculty of Science University of Oulu in Finland

The University of Oulu in Finland is offering a two-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in Geography within the Faculty of Science. The post is embedded in a talented freshwater plant research team and the Physical Geography Research Group (PGRG), led by Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta, and contributes to the Kvantum Institute spearhead project (2025–2028) on how contemporary and historical climate and land-use change affect freshwater biodiversity in high-latitude regions of Europe and North America.

The successful candidate will work on questions such as whether land-use intensification is a stronger driver of change than climate in explaining historical freshwater plant diversity and distribution, whether historical legacies still shape present-day freshwater flora, and whether these biotic imprints differ between continents. The role includes conducting independent postdoctoral research, publishing in reputable international journals, contributing to new grant proposals, and presenting results in seminars and possibly conferences. Teaching in undergraduate courses may be included for up to 10% of annual working time, along with co-supervision of master's and doctoral students and some administrative duties.

The research team is multinational and interdisciplinary, with core collaborators from the University of Oulu, University of Leon, University of Minnesota, and the US Geological Survey. The position sits in a dynamic global-change research environment focused on abiotic and biotic earth surface systems, including the Macrophyte Biogeography Lab. This is a good fit for researchers interested in freshwater ecology, biogeography, aquatic plant ecology, species distribution modelling, biodiversity change, and climate–land use interactions.

Applicants must have a PhD in Geography, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related field, awarded within the last 10 years. Essential experience includes community ecology or species distribution modelling using R, GIS skills, and the ability to manage and harmonize heterogeneous ecological, environmental, or climatic datasets. Fluency in English and strong teamwork and communication skills are required. Advanced R or Python skills, functional and phylogenetic biodiversity expertise, aquatic ecosystem knowledge, and success in securing competitive research funding are advantageous.

The position starts on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the salary is based on Finnish university teaching and research staff levels 5–6, with a starting gross monthly salary of approximately €3900–€4300 before taxes plus a performance-based component. The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Applications must be submitted through the recruitment system and include a motivation letter, CV, publication list, and contact information for two senior referees. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online or on site and asked to provide diplomas and references.

Contact: Senior Researcher Janne Alahuhta, Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, [email protected].