Katja Räsänen

The Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher to work on an evolutionary biology project focused on how natural selection and sexual selection interact to shape diversification in natural populations over contemporary timescales. The project gives the doctoral researcher freedom to develop research within this broader framework, using the freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus as an empirical model system. This species offers a rich setting for studying variation in fitness because it is sexually dimorphic, shows extended maternal care, and hosts a variable microbiome. The role of the student can include empirical work and, for those with a theoretical background in evolutionary biology or ecology, conceptual work as well. The researcher will join an international academic community within a department that combines expertise in evolutionary theory, ecological and environmental research, and molecular, experimental, and digital tools. The position is research-centered and also includes some undergraduate mentoring and teaching as part of doctoral training. The advert describes a fixed-term doctoral research appointment intended for completion of a PhD thesis in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland.

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, invites applications for 1–4 fully funded doctoral researcher positions. These positions are part of the Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Sciences, which offers advanced research training in areas such as Aquatic Science, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Environmental Science. The positions are set to begin on August 1, 2026, or as agreed, and are available for a maximum of 3.5 years. Selected doctoral researchers will join one of several research groups within the department, working on diverse and cutting-edge projects. Current open PhD projects include: Soil Carbon Dynamics: Investigating the role of mesofauna in soil carbon cycling, supervised by Sten Anslan, Carlos A. Aguilar-Trigueros, and Nerea Abrego. Thermal Performance and Parasite Resistance in Salmon: Exploring the genetic and physiological responses of salmon to climate change, supervised by Anssi Karvonen. Anthropogenic Changes and Wildlife Health: Studying the effects of forest management and urbanization on wildlife health, supervised by Esa Koskela and Eva Kallio. Molecular and Evolutionary Dynamics of Megaphages: Characterizing interactions between megaphages and bacterial hosts in freshwater environments, supervised by Elina Laanto. HSV-1 Reactivation Dynamics: Examining chromatin compaction and phase separation during herpesvirus reactivation, supervised by Salla Mattola. Eco-evolutionary Feedbacks via Host-Microbiomes: Understanding co-adaptation of hosts and microbiomes to environmental change, led by Professor Katja Räsänen. Climate Change and Nutritional Pathways in Lakes: Assessing the impact of climate change on food webs and nutritional outcomes in tropical lakes, supervised by Sami Taipale. Cumulative Impact Assessment in EIA Practice: Developing systematic approaches for environmental impact assessment, supervised by Elisa Vallius and Saara Vauramo. The department is housed in the Ambiotica building, part of the Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, and offers state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities for bioscience and experimental research. The University of Jyväskylä is a vibrant, international academic community located in central Finland, offering excellent quality of life, a lively campus, and a supportive research environment. Funding and Benefits: These are fully funded positions with a starting salary of approximately 2500 €/month (gross), increasing as the doctoral thesis progresses. The university provides a supportive and inclusive work environment, with access to high-quality research infrastructure, free schooling, affordable childcare, and comprehensive healthcare. Eligibility: Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a relevant Master’s degree. A strong interest in the chosen research project, motivation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Good command of English is required. Experience in laboratory or fieldwork and a valid driving license (for some projects) are considered assets. After selection, candidates must apply for postgraduate study rights at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science if not already obtained. A six-month trial period applies at the start of employment. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the University of Jyväskylä application portal by December 14, 2025. Required documents include a CV, motivation/cover letter, degree certificate, and other relevant documents in English and PDF format. Applications sent via email will not be considered. For further information, contact Professor Varpu Marjomäki at [email protected]. For more details and to apply, visit the application portal .