Trainee, Zoology
We are seeking undergaduate or master’s degree students for the Zoology Unit of the Finnish Museum of Natural History. There are
THREE FIXED-TERM TRAINEE POSITIONS
available for periods of 2–3 months in summer–autumn 2026.
About the position
The trainees will participate in the digitisation, care, and organisation of zoological specimen collections, as well as in the entry and processing of bird monitoring data. Trainees may also work in the unit’s research groups.
About you
We are particularly looking for master’s level students in biology or other environmental fields. The position requires skills in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word) and proficiency in English. In addition, we require attention to detail, good collaboration skills, the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and willingness to learn new things. Species identification skills and experience in handling scientific specimens and datasets are considered an advantage.
Why work with us?
As a trainee, you will become part of a competent and enthusiastic international community of experts. During the traineeship, you will gain a solid foundation in the work of a modern natural history museum, its diverse tasks, and how research infrastructure serves research, teaching, and societal needs. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in digitisation, collection management and organisation, and to improve your species identification skills. The salary for the position is €1,600 per month.
Interested?
Students pursuing their undergraduate or master's degree in Finland are eligible to apply. Please submit your application (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 1 page) as a single PDF file via the University of Helsinki recruitment system using the Apply now link by 23 February 2026 at 23:59. Applications may be submitted in Finnish or English. In your application, describe your skills and motivation, and indicate which zoology team you are primarily applying to: the entomology team, the metazoa team, or the monitoring team (see LUOMUS, Zoology). The University of Helsinki encourages applications from people of different genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.
Further information
The workplace is located at the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13). Financial support for the traineeship granted by your own university is considered an advantage and may extend the duration of the traineeship. Further information is provided by Director Pasi Sihvonen, tel. +358 50 415 0236, pasi.sihvonen(at)helsinki.fi.
LUOMUS
The Finnish Museum of Natural History, LUOMUS, is Finland’s largest research infrastructure in the field of biodiversity. LUOMUS preserves and expands national natural history collections, provides them as research material, carries out science and environmental education, and acts as an expert in biodiversity-related issues. LUOMUS’ collections are among the world’s 30 most significant natural history collections. As an independent institute of the University of Helsinki, LUOMUS is strongly internationally networked and is a pioneer in citizen science. The Natural History Museum and the botanical gardens of LUOMUS are among the most popular public attractions in Finland.