Doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Science
The Environmental and Ecological Statistics Research Group (EnvStat) at the University of Helsinki invite applications for
Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) in Biodiversity Science.
The EnvStat group operates both at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Faculty of Science) and at the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (Faculty of Environmental and Biological Sciences). We are also part of the Research Centre for Ecological Change (REC), whose overreaching aim is to generate a coordinated analysis of the unique long-term ecological datasets collected in Finland to understand the drivers and consequences of global change on biodiversity. At EnvStat, we work in the interface of ecology and statistics, aiming to understand how ecological and environmental processes shape the world we live in – and how anthropogenic drivers further impact these processes. Using long-term ecological data, we study how environmental change affects species populations and -communities, and how these changes affect ecosystem functions. To extend these analyses to new types of data and questions, we develop state-of-the-art hierarchical Bayesian methodology. We also actively apply our research to more applied questions such as environmental management and risk assessment. For more information on EnvStat, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/environmental-and-ecological-statistics
A doctoral researcher position in biodiversity science
We seek a doctoral researcher for joint analyses of quantitative forest structure and species monitoring data to understand how forest structural diversity (e.g., composition,size- and spatial distribution of trees) and diversity of other species in the forest are linked. The focus will be on understanding the spatial scales of these relationships and whether they are context-dependent by varying, e.g., between bioclimatic zones, taxonomic (e.g., insects, birds, and mammals) or functional species groups. The analysis will be conducted using the state-of-the-art Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) in collaboration with other members of the EnvStat group. EnvStat has long experience in developing and applying JSDMs to various applications. The candidate will contribute to developing the specific research questions on understanding the relationship between different dimensions of biodiversity and forest structure. The analyses can be complemented with scenario-based predictions on forest management impacts on forest biodiversity.
Candidates should have completed a Master’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences, geography, or a related field, have strong conceptual skills and capability to learn to use advanced stastistical ecology tools. Prior experience in working with large ecological data, R programming skills, and studies in statistics are considered as a strength.
We seek candidates with interest in understanding drivers of natural populations and ecosystem functions they provide, and in interdisciplinary work between biodiversity research and statistical ecology.
Key references
Guilbault, E., Sihvonen, P., Suuronen, A., Huikkonen, I.-M., Pöyry, J., Laine, A.-L., Roslin, T., Saastamoinen, M., and Vanhatalo, J. (2025). Strong context dependence in the relative importance of climate and habitat on nation-wide macro-moth community changes. Journal of Animal Ecology, 94:1948-1961.
Schulz, T., Saastamoinen, M., Vanhatalo, J. (2025). Model-based variance partitioning for statistical ecology. Ecological Monographs 95(1): e1646
Rajala, T., Kangas, A., and Myllymäki, M. (2025). Computing maps of forest structural diversity: Aggregate late. Ecological Indicators, 178: 114046.
QUALIFICATIONS
Eligible applicants are required to have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree by the time they start the work. The appointee should apply for the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. For more information on degree requirements and the application process, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-school.
LENGTH OF THE CONTRACT, SALARY, AND BENEFITS
There is flexibility in the starting date. Selected candidates can start as soon as possible but at the latest by June 2026.
All positions include funding for a fixed term of 3,5 years and there will be a trial period of six months in the beginning.
The salary will be based on level 2 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The starting salary is typically ca. 2600-2700 euros/month.
The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The doctoral researcher will benefit from courses, funding opportunities, and training offered by the University of Helsinki Doctoral School.
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. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE POSITIONS
The application should include the following documents as a single pdf file. Please name the pdf with the field of the position you are applying to or prioritizing in your application:
- motivational letter telling, which position(s) you are applying and outlining why you are the right person for this task (max 1 page)
- CV and list of publications (max 2 pages)
Include also contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request.
Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply for the position". Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.
The deadline for submitting the application is 19 November 2025.
For more information, please contact professor Jarno Vanhatalo (jarno.vanhatalo(at)helsinki.fi) or university lecturer Elina Numminen (elina.numminen(at)helsinki.fi).