Postdoctoral Researcher in Soil Macroecology and Global Change

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Assistant Professor Helen Phillips invite applications for the position of,

Postdoctoral Researcher in Soil Macroecology and Global Change for a fixed-term of 2 years.

Our research focuses on understanding large-scale patterns in soil biodiversity, and how human impacts may be disrupting these patterns. We are looking for a new postdoctoral researcher to join our team and expand upon the work we are doing. The successful candidate will use previously synthesized ecological datasets on community-scale diversity (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-021-00912-z) and regional-scale diversity (https://zenodo.org/records/10409014) of earthworms across the globe. As well as being involved with the collation of trait data for earthworms.
 

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute their own research questions, and the opportunity to use these datasets in their analyses. While research will likely be focused on biodiversity patterns, traits and/or global change, there is also scope to extend the current data in order to accommodate additional research questions.
 

The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to expand their skills, including, if desired teaching and supervision experience.

It is expected that the successful candidate will have:
 

• A doctoral degree (or soon to be completed PhD) in soil ecology, macroecology, global change or similar
• Advanced statistical knowledge (experience with mixed effects models would be an advantage)
• Previous experience handling large datasets
• Experience using R (or proficiency in other programming languages)
• Able to conduct a research project from conception to completion
• Confidence in communication of their research, through journal articles and conference participation
• Good command of English
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and time management skills

Contract  

The position is for 2 years, with a 6-month trial period. The starting date is flexible, but no later than January 1st, 2025. The position will be based at the Viikki campus.

How to apply

The application should include the following documents as a single pdf file:

• Letter of motivation outlining why you are a good fit for the position (max 1 page). If you haven’t completed your PhD, please indicate in the letter your expected date of submission.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Contact information for two people who would be willing to provide a reference letter

Closing date for applications is 7 June 2024

The University of Helsinki, and the research group of Dr. Helen Phillips, encourages applications from representatives of different genders, language and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.

Selection process

Following the close of the applications, all applications will be screened, and short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

What we offer

The salary of the successful candidate will be based on level 5 (OV05) of the demands level chart 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 performance. The starting salary will be ca 3500-3900 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Additional information

For more information on the position or the research group, please contact Assistant Professor Helen Phillips (helen.phillips[at]helsinki.fi).

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Harri Hamara (harri.hamara[at]helsinki.fi).

The University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. We are committed to the principles and practices of open science. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.  For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.