Two Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in Coastal Marine Science

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciencies invites applications for two postdoctoral resesarcher positions in coastal marine science to join CoastClim, the Centre for Coastal Ecosystem and Climate Change Research. The postdoctoral researchers will be based at Tvärminne Zoological Station and work closely with a PhD collegium consisting of five new doctoral researchers (see more information about the doctoral positions on University of Helsinki open positions page). A central CoastClim hypothesis is that healthy and degraded ecosystems differ in how biodiversity regulates carbon production, storage, transformation and release. Yet the ecological mechanisms behind these differences remain poorly understood.

About CoastClim and the research environment

CoastClim is a strategic collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Stockholm University. CoastClim investigates how biodiversity and ecosystem state influence coastal carbon cycling, greenhouse gases (GHGs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and climate feedbacks. The programme combines marine ecology, biogeochemistry and atmospheric science, with Tvärminne Zoological Station as a principal field and experimental hub.

Tvärminne Zoological Station, part of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki, provides access to diverse coastal habitats, research vessels, scientific diving and laboratory facilities, experimental infrastructure and long-term environmental observations. Successful applicants will join a collaborative international research community and work with doctoral researchers and scientific staff across CoastClim.

Position 1. Postdoctoral Researcher in Coastal Sediment Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry (3 years)

Research focus and responsibilities

We invite applications from researchers with a strong background in sediment microbiology, microbial ecology or marine biogeochemistry who are interested in understanding how benthic biodiversity regulates carbon processing in healthy and degraded coastal ecosystems. We welcome different disciplinary profiles: candidates may be strongest in molecular microbial ecology or in sediment process measurements, provided they can build meaningful links between biological communities and carbon cycling.

The successful candidate will develop an independent research programme aligned with the CoastClim biodiversity–carbon agenda, while contributing to joint field and laboratory experiments on biodiversity change, disturbance and multiple stressors. Research may focus on microbial controls of sediment carbon mineralization, methane production and oxidation, redox-sensitive processes, sediment–water exchange and potentially the production, consumption or degradation of climate-relevant VOCs.

Essential qualifications and experience

•    PhD in microbial ecology, marine biogeochemistry, environmental microbiology, aquatic ecology or a closely related discipline.
•    Demonstrated research expertise relevant to coastal or aquatic sediment processes, or clearly transferable microbial/biogeochemical methods. These could include microbial community or functional analysis (e.g. amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, qPCR, functional genes) and links to measured process rates, and/or sediment–water flux measurements, intact-core incubations, porewater chemistry, redox profiling, carbon or nutrient mineralization and GHG measurements (especially CH₄).
•    Ability to design rigorous experiments, independently analyze complex datasets and work confidently with statistical software (e.g. R or Python) or appropriate bioinformatics tools.
•    Ability to integrate molecular and biogeochemical information, including knowledge of microbial methane cycling; familiarity with marine VOCs is welcome but not required.An excellent scientific writing ability in English, supported by peer-reviewed publications and clear evidence of independent research potential.
•    Good collaborative, organizational and communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary work.

Applicants are not expected to have all of these skills. We particularly value demonstrated methodological depth, quantitative independence and a convincing plan for connecting microbial or sediment processes to the wider biodiversity–carbon context.

Position 2. Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Marine Ecology and Biodiversity–Ecosystem Functioning (3 years)

Research focus and responsibilities

We invite applications from experimental marine ecologists who want to understand how biodiversity regulates carbon cycling in natural coastal ecosystems. The position has a strong field component and requires substantial experience in SCUBA-based marine research. Applicants may have backgrounds in benthic community ecology, biodiversity–ecosystem functioning, disturbance ecology, macrofaunal or macrophyte ecology, or related fields.

The successful candidate will develop an independent line of research based on field experiments and quantitative ecological analysis. A key opportunity is to use in situ disturbance and biodiversity manipulation to compare ecosystem processes across experimentally altered and control communities. Associated measurements may include sediment and community carbon stocks, organic-matter processing, ecosystem metabolism through benthic chamber incubations, and collaborative measurements of GHGs and VOCs. Complementary experiments with relatively intact sediment communities maintained in laboratory mesocosms are also possible.

Essential qualifications and experience

•    PhD in marine ecology, benthic ecology, experimental ecology, or a related field.
•    Demonstrated practical SCUBA/scientific-diving experience, including underwater scientific sampling or experimental work.
•    Proven competence in experimental design, and practical organization of marine fieldwork.
•    Strong quantitative and statistical skills, preferably using R or Python or Matlab, with experience analyzing ecological communities and/or complex experimental data.
•    A solid record of peer-reviewed scientific publication, excellent written English and the ability to develop and communicate independent research ideas.
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

The research direction is deliberately broad within experimental marine ecology. We welcome candidates with strong field and numerical skills who can establish an original research agenda and build productive links between biodiversity experiments and CoastClim’s carbon-cycle research.

What we offer

Both positions are three-year, full-time postdoctoral research positions in an international and interdisciplinary marine research environment, with opportunities to conduct independent research, collaborate across ecological and biogeochemical disciplines, publish in leading journals and develop future funding applications. The positions are primarily based at Tvärminne Zoological Station, Finland, with fieldwork and collaboration at other locations as required. The positions are available from early 2027 and a trial period of six months will be applied. The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment.

The salary of the postdoctoral researchers will be based on the collective agreement for Finnish universities level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary is typically around 3 700–4 200 euros per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care. 

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki's online recruitment system using the "Apply Now" button. Applicants currently employed by the University of Helsinki should submit their application through the SAP Fiori portal via “Employee login”. 

Please submit the following documents as a single PDF file in the field reserved for CV:

• A motivation letter (maximum two pages) describing your interest in the position and outlining relevant experience.
• Clearly state which position you are applying for.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable).
• Two letters of recommendation, including the referees' contact information.
  
  The use of AI in application preparation will not be evaluated favourably.
  
  Application deadline: 7 December 2026 at 23:59 (Finnish time)
  
  

More information

For further information about the positions, please contact: project planner Johanna Gammal, johanna.gammal@helsinki.fi
Support with the recruitment system can be obtained from University of Helsinki HR specialists at recruitment@helsinki.fi

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

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