Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics of Photosynthesis Laboratory
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to strengthen our research portfolio in near-surface remote sensing of sun-induced fluorescence and boreal forest physiology. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be appointed for a fixed-term of two years starting at the latest in August 2026.
You will take a leading role in near-surface remote sensing activities in several large national and international research projects at the Optics of Photosynthesis Lab, including PHOCUS (JAES, 2026-2030), MONOCLE (Research Council of Finland, 2022-2027) and FLEX-N, (European Space Agency, starting 2026).
The role requires a diverse skillset, key contributions include field tower and drone SIF sensing, 3D radiative transfer canopy modelling and field trips and campaigns. You will also be expected to write high impact scientific publications and contribute to the Cal/Val activities of the future ESA-FLEX mission in Northern latitudes. In return you get to develop your career at the unique OPL where we conduct curiosity driven basic research at outstanding research facilities in Finland, consistently voted as one of the best places to live and work.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate the near-surface SIF and reflectance sensing operations at OPL.
- Develop and apply 3D canopy radiative transfer methods and their integration with photosynthesis modelling, in collaboration with National and International colleagues.
- Write high impact scientific publications.
- Contribute to project reporting activities.
- Contribute to student supervision and teaching (5% of time) in MSc and PhD programmes within the Department of Forest Sciences and the Institute of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences.
Required qualifications and skills
- PhD in near surface remote sensing or closely related field (e.g., biometereology) (The doctoral degree must be granted before the beginning of employment.)
- Demonstrated experience in Solar-Induced Fluorescence
- Familiarity with plant sciences, plant ecophysiology, ecology.
- Significant field work experience in challenging conditions
- a driving license that can be easily transferred to Finland
- Programming experience in at least two of Python, Julia, Matlab, R, Fortran, IDL
Desirable experience or assets:
- Radiative transfer modeling.
- Knowledge of Finnish language (B1 or B2)
- Experience in conducting drone-based measurements
- Experience working at large research infrastructures.
What do we offer
The Optics of Photosynthesis Laboratory (OPL) is a small and highly international group composed of some 10-15 researchers (https://blogs.helsinki.fi/optics-of-photosynthesis/). Our Laboratory develops methods and theory to facilitate the interpretation of optical data acquired from leaves, plants and entire ecosystems, in terms of plant functional traits such as photosynthesis. We collaborate with a wide range of scientists and communities from molecular biologists to Earth System Scientists, from companies to artists. OPL is integrated within the multidisciplinary Department of Forest Sciences (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/disciplines/forest-sciences), the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry) and the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR, https://www.helsinki.fi/en/inar).
We will also support your academic career development in terms of opportunities for postgraduate supervision, own funding acquisition, teaching and career development activities.
The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel at the University of Helsinki. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary is typically around 3700–4000 euros per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.
A six-month trial period will be applied. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The workplace of the position is at Viikki campus in Helsinki.
How to apply
To apply for the position please attach the following documents to your application as a single PDF file (in Finnish or English):
1. A motivation letter (max 1 page)
2. A description detailing the relevant knowledge and experience that you have accumulated in relation to the position (max 1 page)
3. A curriculum vitae (CV) and contact information for two referees (max 2 pages)
4. Copy of degree(s) certificates.
If you need help with the recruitment portal, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi and mention the title of the job in the message subject.
Deadline for applications is 18.5.2026 (at 23.59 EEST)
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Jonathan M Atherton (jon.atherton@helsinki.fi) or Albert Porcar-Castell (albert.porcar@helsinki.fi)
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