Doctoral researcher in Stable isotope studies on East-African termites

The Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS is looking for a highly motivated

Doctoral researcher in Stable isotope studies on East-African termites 

to join a 4-year project investigating methane and nitrogen interactions and their links to environmental parameters within African termite mounds. The position will start in January 2026 with full funding for approximately 3.5 years (until August 2029). The doctoral researcher will be employed by the Finnish Museum of Natural History, which is an Independent Institution of the University of Helsinki, and work mainly at the Laboratory of Chronology on the Kumpula campus. Fieldwork takes place in Kenya at the Taita Research Station of University of Helsinki. 

Project background 

The Doctoral Researcher will work for the project TERMITOSPHERE, funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Dr. Risto Vesala. The project examines how termites influence greenhouse gas fluxes and nitrogen cycling in African semi-arid savannas. Challenging the common view of termites as major natural sources of atmospheric methane, the project will focus on their less-understood role as methane sinks and investigates the potential of the involved microorganisms to introduce atmospheric nitrogen into dryland ecosystems. The research integrates gas flux measurements, field and laboratory experiments, and stable isotope analyses to better understand key biogeochemical processes within termite guts and the biogenic structures they maintain. The project is led by the University of Helsinki in close collaboration with Kenyan and international partners. 

Main duties and role of the Doctoral researcher 

The work will involve:

• hands-on fieldwork at the study sites in Kenya,
• laboratory work at the Taita Research Station and the Laboratory of Chronology,
• planning and implementing innovative field experiments,
• coordinating sample collection,
• performing data analysis, and 
• preparing scientific publications together with other researchers working in the project. 

The core dataset for the doctoral thesis will consist of monthly measurements of CH4 and CO2 concentrations and isotopic compositions from termite mounds, collected by local research assistants in Kenya. Additional data will originate from field experiments and incubation studies, applying both natural abundance and isotope tracing approaches. 

What we expect? 

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, completed by the end of 2025. We expect a strong interest in biogeochemical processes and cycles as well as good proficiency in written and spoken English. Prior knowledge and experience in working with gaseous samples, stable isotope research, or related data analysis are considered as merits.
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 and obtain this right within the six-month probationary period. If the candidate does not have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately. See more detailed instructions here: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. 

We value curiosity, self-motivation, good cooperation and interaction skills, and the ability to conduct independent scientific reasoning. The applicant should be willing and able to spend extended periods (several weeks per year) in Kenya, working in remote field settings, and hot, dusty, and occasionally uncomfortable conditions, where successful work often requires flexibility, creativity, and readiness to adapt to unpredictable changes. 

What we offer? 

We offer the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary, international research team addressing timely questions related to climate change, the sustainability of tropical drylands, and other pressing environmental issues. You will gain experience in working at unique research sites in iconic East-African savanna landscapes and learn about the state-of-the-art methods in stable isotope ecology. 

The Laboratory of Chronology, your main place of work, conducts research relying on three main methodologies – stable isotopes, radiocarbon, and luminescence – applied to a wide scope of themes ranging from environmental research and biosciences to geology and archaeology, offering a close-knit, inspiring and supportive research environment.

The position provides full funding for the duration of the project, access to modern laboratory facilities, and strong support for professional development, including the possibility to attend international conferences and training courses.  

In addition, the University of Helsinki offers occupational health care services, comprehensive travel and work-related insurances, access to sports facilities (Unisport), and opportunities for professional development. For further information see: Staff Benefits

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland. The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The salary is defined by the University’s salary system (YPJ) for teaching and research personnel with the starting gross monthly salary being ca. 2500-2700 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Salary will increase as the PhD work progresses.

How to apply? 

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login.

Applications should include:

• A one-page cover letter, briefly demonstrating the applicant’s background, motivation, and description how the previous experience and studies support work in the applied position
• A curriculum vitae including contact details, academic degrees, previous work experience, list of publications, and links to the completed theses
• Copies of diplomas of previous degrees
• Contact details and recommendation letter (optional) for two academic referees

Documents can be either in English or Finnish. The application deadline is 22nd September 2025. Top candidates will be invited to an interview in October 2025. 

Further information 

For further information or specific questions about the position, please contact Risto Vesala (risto.vesala[at]helsinki.fi). 
Any questions related to the recruitment system should be addressed to HR (hr-erla[at]helsinki.fi).

About Luomus

The Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus (https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/luomus) is an independent institute of the University of Helsinki responsible for managing the national natural science collections of Finland. Luomus is tasked with expanding, preserving, and exhibiting natural science collections, as well as conducting scientific research related to them. These national collections serve research, education, and environmental awareness, particularly in the fields of biology, geology, and biodiversity, and form part of an international network of natural science collections. Luomus consists of five units: Botany and Mycology, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Biodiversity Informatics, and Public Engagement. Luomus employs approximately 160 people.