Doctoral Researcher in Biogeochemistry and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science invites applications for DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES for a fixed period of 4 years starting on September 1st, 2025, or as agreed.
Background
Northern wetlands emit large amounts of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas. There are high uncertainties in the estimation of wetland CH4 emissions due to the large temporal and spatial variations in CH4 emission and its underlying processes. The lack of continuous observations of CH4 turnover hinders our understanding of CH4 emission variability and the predictability of mechanistic CH4 models. We aim to fill the knowledge gap in the project “A holistic view of Methane turnover in northern Wetlands by Novel isotopic approach (MeWeN): Coupled above/belowground automatic measuring and isotope labelling”.
In the MeWeN project, we will conduct in-situ surface and subsurface measurement of and laboratory measurements (continuous and campaign based) as well as process-based CH4 isotope modelling. We will measure or infer methane-related processes, fluxes, microbial composition, vegetation, and key environmental variables from different wetland types at a high temporal resolution. The comprehensive dataset will provide us with detailed information on CH4 turnover dynamics and responses to biotic and abiotic factors along the year, especially during the less studied winter and shoulder seasons. Based on the dataset, we will update the representation of different wetland types in a process-based CH4 model with an isotope fractionation effect using data inversion approach, validate the model and provide new estimates for northern wetland CH4 emissions.
Doctoral researcher position
The doctoral student’s work will focus on in situ manual and automatic sampling underlying methane-related processes (production, oxidation and transport) from prestine wetlands, methane flux measurement, lab incubation and mesocosm experiments. There will be collaborations with other parts of the project, including model development, upscaling and validation. Regular fieldwork at wetland stations and laboratory work are to be expected.
Requirements:
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a Master’s degree in biogeochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field.
A successful candidate should be able to:
- Design, conduct, and report research within the scope of the project
- Contribute to teaching within the departments
- Contribute to preparing funding and travel grant applications
- Engage with the scientific community, research partners and the wider public
through scientific publications and conference presentations
The candidate is expected to have the following:
Education, experience and technical skills
- A relevant Master’s degree. Previous experiences with wetland carbon cycle, trace
gas measurement and stable isotopes are assets, but not compulsory. - Strong data management skills with analytical tools e.g. Matlab, R, Python
- Fluency in English and excellent writing skills. Working Language is English
Personal attributes and competencies
- High motivation for academic research, having initiative and capability of working independently
as well as in team environments - Excellent research planning and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to continuous improvement based on constructive evaluation, self-reflection and learning
The appointee should either already have 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 find more information how to apply to doctoral programmes and the requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki.
The candidate will be able to attend international conferences and present their scientific work in local and international meetings. As an employee of the University of Helsinki, the researcher will receive occupational health care, and will be entitled to sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
Why work for us
Finland is a member of EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. Please find more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.
The starting salary of the doctoral researcher will be ca. 2700-2900 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience.
How to apply
Please submit your application in English using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the button “Apply now”. The application should include:
- A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation in joining the research program, key strengths and experiences relevant to the project.
- Curriculum vitae showing the applicant's education, completed qualifications, work experience (max 3 pages) and possible list of publications
- Recommendation letter or contact information of 2 persons for references
- Copies of Master's, and Bachelor's degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations (if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English).
Deadline for applications is 31 July 2025.
Further information
- For more information about the position, please contact the project PI, University Researcher Xuefei Li xuefei.z.li@helsinki.fi
- The successful candidate will be joining the Micrometeorology group of INAR, University of Helsinki
- The working place is at Kumpula campus, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Support for international staff and International House Helsinki
- For information about the recruitment process or the recruitment system please contact hr-kumpula@helsinki.fi
The Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) is a large multidisciplinary research unit based in physics, chemistry, meteorology, forest sciences, environmental sciences and social sciences in the University of Helsinki. INAR aims to strengthen the internationally leading, integrated multidisciplinary research and education environment for atmospheric and Earth system science and to feed in scientific results for the national and international environment and climate policy. It performs multiscale research from molecular to global scale and focuses on climate change, air quality, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem processes.