Tuomas Aakala

The University of Eastern Finland is offering three Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) positions in Peatland Ecology, based at the Centre of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration (PeatResC) within the School of Forest Sciences, Joensuu Campus. These positions are part of a collaborative research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland, focusing on peatland responses to environmental change, biogeochemistry, plant and microbial communities, and forest structure under climate warming. Each position has a distinct research focus: Position 1 investigates the effects of temperature, water table, and shading on peatland biogeochemistry, including carbon sink strength, methane emissions, and nitrogen cycling. Position 2 explores how peatland biota and functional characteristics respond to environmental changes, emphasizing plant communities, functional traits, and vegetation-microbial interactions. Position 3 examines changes in peatland forest structure in a warming climate, utilizing extensive datasets, remote sensing, and dendrochronology. Doctoral Researchers will conduct research for their dissertation, complete postgraduate studies, and may supervise interns and thesis students. Teaching duties (up to 5% of working hours) may be included. The Centre of Excellence offers training, seminars, and research visits, and maintains broad national and international networks. The research environment is modern, multidisciplinary, and internationally recognized. Applicants must meet the LUMETO doctoral programme admission criteria, demonstrate proficiency in English, and possess knowledge of statistical methods (especially R programming). A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required; students nearing completion may apply if they submit their degree certificate by 31 May 2026. Advantages include independent work skills, teamwork, communication, a driver’s licence, scientific publications, and relevant research experience (e.g., greenhouse gas flux measurements, plant identification, dendrochronology, remote sensing). The positions are fixed-term from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2028, with salary determined by the Finnish university collective agreement (starting at EUR 2,650–2,785/month). Staff benefits include flexible work options, professional development, occupational health care, training, campus discounts, and affordable sports services. The university is located in Finland, known for its high quality of life, safety, and excellent education system. To apply, submit your application via the electronic form by 22 April 2026, including a CV, list of publications, degree certificates, language proficiency certificates, transcript of records, motivation letter, and other supporting documents. Official English translations are required for certificates not in English, Finnish, or Swedish. For further information, contact Professor Eeva-Stiina Tuittila or Assistant Professor Anna Laine-Petäjäkangas, or other listed researchers for position-specific queries. The University of Eastern Finland is a multidisciplinary institution with campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, employing over 3,200 staff and serving more than 17,000 degree students. The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology is committed to internationally recognized research and education in natural sciences, forestry, and technology.