Petteri Alho

The University of Turku invites expressions of interest for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, focusing on water, fluvial and coastal processes, and twin transitions in the hydrosphere. This opportunity is based in the Department of Geography and Geology within the Faculty of Science, offering a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment in Southwest Finland. The department investigates human, societal, and natural processes beyond the Earth’s surface, with expertise in riverine, coastal, geological, and environmental change across local to global scales. The Fluvial and Coastal Research Group specializes in riverine and coastal dynamics, examining how human interaction shapes flow regimes, sediment processes, water quality, and environmental change. Research themes include climate change and water protection, flood studies, remote sensing and laser scanning in fluvial studies, marine geoinformatics, maritime spatial planning, coastal zone management, and coastal water properties. The group utilizes advanced field methods, remote sensing, and hydro- and morphodynamic modelling, with a particular focus on subarctic regions and the Baltic Sea. Research is conducted at several stations and supersites in Finland, leveraging unique infrastructures and collaborating with national and international partners. The Digital Waters Flagship (DIWA) is a key partner, concentrating on computational hydrology and water research, digital twins of catchments, and integrated water system analysis. Strategic national projects such as HydroTwin further enhance research opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in hydrology (hydrological and river processes, catchment hydrology, river dynamics, river-coastal interactions, land cover, nature-based solutions), numerical modelling (climate, hydrological, hydro-morphodynamic, coastal hydrodynamic modelling), and digital water systems (digitalization in water resources management, digital twins, environmental monitoring and modelling). Successful candidates will be offered a fully funded short-term visit to Turku (e.g., August 2026) to collaboratively develop their MSCA proposal with leading researchers, with the possibility of an additional third year of funding for funded MSCA projects. Support through national funding programs is also available to advance your career. Individual consultations, proposal review, and MSCA PF proposal writing training are provided. Applicants must have a recent and relevant PhD (after 2021), an excellent publication record (including Q1 journals), international experience, and fluency in English. Application materials include a cover letter, CV with publication list, and a one-page project idea description. The deadline for expression of interest is 15 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 10 June 2026 and invited for a research visit and proposal development in late summer–early autumn 2026. The MSCA proposal submission deadline is 10 September 2026, with decisions expected in February 2027. For the best applicants, a third year of funding is possible from September 2029 to September 2030. For further information, contact Research Coordinator Riikka Saari at [email protected]. Apply via the provided application link.