Pekka Niittynen

The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary research university in Finland, is offering a 3-year fixed-term Doctoral Researcher position in Arctic-alpine hydrology and ecology. The position is based in the Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Unit, and is linked to the 'Global trends and ecology of late-lying snowbeds' project funded by the Research Council of Finland. The project is led by Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen and involves collaboration with Associate Professor Hannu Marttila. The doctoral research will focus on understanding how changing hydrological and snow conditions in Arctic and alpine environments impact the ecology of cold-adapted species and ecosystem processes in tundra and high-mountain regions. The research theme is flexible and can be tailored to the candidate’s interests and skills. Responsibilities include fieldwork in northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, particularly at the Kilpisjärvi research station, monitoring plant communities, mapping soil properties, maintaining microclimate logger networks, and collecting and analyzing plant, soil, and tree-ring data. The project also integrates satellite and drone remote sensing data into ecological models and involves collaboration with a global network of microclimate researchers. The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit hosts four research groups specializing in hydrological modeling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, and groundwater research. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of hydrologists, geographers, ecologists, and data scientists. The position offers access to unique global infrastructure and datasets, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment. There is also budget for a 1–2 month research visit to the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, to collaborate with key project partners. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree in biology, ecology, physical geography, hydrology, soil science, environmental science, or a related field, completed before the start of the position. An initial research plan is required. Candidates should demonstrate motivation for doctoral studies, basic understanding of statistical data analysis, programming skills (R, Python, or Julia), fluency in English, and the ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team. Experience with remote sensing, drone imagery, plant identification, and soil analysis is appreciated. Applicants must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) at the beginning of employment. The position is full-time, starting on June 1, 2026, with a 6-month trial period. The starting gross salary is approximately 2700–2900 € per month (before taxes), with progression based on performance. The University of Oulu offers wellness benefits, career development opportunities, and support for international staff and their families. Finland is renowned for its high quality of life, safety, and excellent education system. To apply, submit your application online by May 3, 2026, including a cover letter, CV, and initial research plan. Eligible applicants may be invited to an interview. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen ([email protected]) or Associate Professor Hannu Marttila ([email protected]).

The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary research institution in Finland, is offering a 3-year fixed-term postdoctoral position in remote sensing and hydrological/snow modelling. The role is based in the Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Unit, and is closely linked to the Flagship DIWA - Digital Waters and SAFIRE - Safeguarding Biodiversity through Interdisciplinary Research on Habitat Restoration, both funded by the Research Council Finland. The SAFIRE programme focuses on actionable knowledge for habitat restoration, especially in Arctic regions. The successful candidate will join a vibrant water research team comprising four research groups specializing in hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, and groundwater research. The research will leverage unique infrastructure at research stations and supersites in Finland, and is part of the Arctic, Antarctic and Mountain initiative, a global network of ~150 researchers working on microclimate datasets and promoting interdisciplinary microclimate research. Responsibilities include developing algorithms for fine-scale snow and hydrological mapping and modelling using satellite data (Landsat, Sentinel, PlanetScope), integrating satellite observations with climate reanalysis (ERA5-Land) and microclimate data to reconstruct historical trends, and collaborating with ecologists and hydrologists to assess impacts on ecosystems and water resources. The postdoc will also contribute to open-source tools, publish high-quality research, and participate in doctoral supervision and education. Fieldwork in northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway is possible depending on interest. The University of Oulu offers a supportive environment with professional development opportunities, access to global research infrastructure, wellness benefits (ePassi), and programmes to help new staff and their families settle in Oulu. The institution holds the HR Excellence in Research label from the European Commission, recognizing its commitment to researchers’ working conditions and careers. Finland is renowned for its high quality of life, safety, education system, and competitive economy. Applicants must hold a relevant doctoral degree (remote sensing, hydrology, data sciences, environmental science, ecosystem modelling, or related field) completed within the last 10 years. Essential skills include independent scientific research, teaching, numerical modelling, data analysis, programming (Python, R, Julia, Fortran, C/C++), excellent English, teamwork, and scientific writing. Preferred qualifications include experience with satellite remote sensing, drone imagery, ecological restoration, high-performance computing, doctoral supervision, international networking, and proposal writing. Selection criteria emphasize scientific excellence, international activity, supervision experience, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, and academic service. The position starts on June 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and includes a 6-month trial period. Salary ranges from 3700 to 4800 € per month (before taxes), based on qualifications and experience, with additional performance-based components. Apply online by May 3, 2026, submitting a motivation letter, academic CV, publication list, and teaching/supervision experience. Eligible candidates may be invited to an interview. Contact Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen ([email protected]) or Associate Professor Hannu Marttila ([email protected]) for further information.

The University of Oulu is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in snow and microclimate processes of cold-climate ecosystems for a 3-year fixed-term appointment in the Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Unit. The position sits within a strong and expanding research environment focused on hydrology, cold-climate water processes, remote sensing, and ecosystem interactions across Arctic, boreal, and alpine systems . The postdoctoral researcher will study how snow, hydrology, and microclimates change over space and time, and how these changes influence ecological processes, biodiversity, vegetation, and ecosystem functions in cold regions. Applicants may align with one of two equally valued profiles. Profile A emphasizes snow, climate, and remote sensing, with a technical and modelling focus using satellite imagery, microclimate data, mechanistic models, and deep-learning or hybrid approaches. Profile B emphasizes snow, microclimate, and ecosystems, connecting environmental patterns to ecological responses in tundra and boreal forests. The role is therefore suitable for candidates with backgrounds in hydrology, remote sensing, data science, physical geography, environmental science, ecosystem science, or ecology. The project is linked to research led by Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen and to the broader digital water and biodiversity research landscape at the University of Oulu, including DIWA - Digital Waters and SAFIRE , a Research Council Finland-funded profiling programme focused on scientifically excellent and actionable knowledge for habitat restoration, especially in Arctic regions. The role is also connected to the Arctic, Antarctic and Mountain initiative , a large international network working on microclimate datasets and cross-disciplinary research. Shared responsibilities include integrating remote sensing, climate reanalysis, and microclimate observations to reconstruct historical snow, hydrological, and microclimate trends; collaborating with ecologists, hydrologists, and modellers; publishing high-quality research; contributing to open-source tools; and potentially taking part in fieldwork in northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The position also includes participation in doctoral supervision and education. Required qualifications include a relevant doctoral degree completed by the closing date and awarded no more than 10 years ago, strong numerical modelling and data analysis skills, experience with programming languages such as R, Python, Julia, Fortran, or C/C++, excellent English, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The university especially values experience with satellite remote sensing, drone imagery, ecological or hydrological field measurements in cold regions, high-performance computing, scientific writing, supervision, and proposal writing. The appointment starts on 1 December 2026 , or as soon as possible thereafter, and includes a six-month trial period. The salary is based on Finnish university salary levels 5-6, with a typical monthly salary of €3,700–€4,800 before taxes , plus a performance-based component. The application deadline is 15 October 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time. Applications must be submitted online in English and should include a motivation letter with a brief research proposal, a CV, up to 10 key publications, and a description of teaching and supervision experience. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen or Associate Professor Hannu Marttila by email.