University Teacher in Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation Biology
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of
UNIVERSITY TEACHER IN ECOLOGY, EVOLUTIONARY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
This fixed position from 1.8.2026 (or as agreed) – 31.5.2030 is based in the Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, which is one of the three Departments in the Faculty and located on the Viikki Campus.
Tasks
Teaching and teaching-related tasks account for the majority (70-90%) of the annual working time. The primary focus will be on contributing to the curriculum of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biology, and the Master’s programmes in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)—an international programme attracting students from Finland and abroad, and in Nature, Society, and Environmental Solutions (LYYRA)—a new programme predominantly taught in Finnish for national students.
Teaching topics will include fundamental ecology and evolutionary biology, from species determination to eco-evolutionary aspects of biodiversity changes and conservation strategies, as well as quantitative analysis methods and examples of modern approaches in fundamental research.
The university teacher selected for the position will be responsible teacher and contribute teaching on selected courses, including field and lab courses, organize and coordinate internships within and outside the University of Helsinki, and assist professors and university lecturers with course preparation and coordination. Key duties will include student guidance and tutoring, bachelor’s and master’s thesis supervision and evaluation.
We expect the candidate to be able to work collaboratively, contributing to joint teaching initiatives across our faculty's degree programmes, and to foster a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving. The applicant should also have the ability to create and foster connections to relevant work life partners and research groups to increase the availability of open internship positions.
Selection criteria
According to the University of Helsinki's administrative regulations, applicants must have a relevant higher education degree, and teaching experience. Additional merits include a doctoral degree and pedagogical training. When assessing applicants’ qualifications, emphasis will be placed on proficiency and teaching experience in ecology, evolutionary biology and biodiversity conservation, demonstrated pedagogical competence, supervision of bachelor and master’s theses, and ability to advance the use of interactive and student-centered education methods. Expertise in blended learning approaches that incorporate modern digital tools are regarded as an asset.
The successful candidate should have good knowledge of cutting-edge approaches in a research topic relevant to study biodiversity at the micro (genes and molecules) or macro (populations and species) scale. We seek a colleague committed to foster excellence in research-based undergraduate education in our programmes.
Teaching skills
The overall teaching skills of a university teacher must be at least at a good level. Applicants' teaching
skills will be assessed in relation to the curriculum of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biology, Master’s Programmes in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and in Nature, Society and Environmental Solutions. Applicants' teaching skills will be assessed using the faculty's assessment matrix and a teaching demonstration.
Language skills
The university requires that those holding teaching and research positions must be proficient in the language of instruction, which in this case is both English and Finnish.
Salary
The salary for this position is based on levels 4–5 of the university salary system's teaching and research staff requirement level chart. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid. The total salary is 3400-4200 eur/mo.
Application
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English:
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- CV
- A report (max. 3 pages) of teaching experience and merits which are of relevance for the evaluation of teaching skills.
- Other documents that may provide relevant information for the selection.
Alternatively, an academic portfolio maybe provided containing the above documents and information.
For more detailed instructions, see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/open-positions/instructions-applicants-teaching-and-research-positions
Application is submitted through the University’s electronic recruitment system latest on 30.04.2026. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through SAP Fiori. Further information can be obtained from the Director of the Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Professor Frédéric Guillaume, frederic.guillaume (at) helsinki.fi, tel. +358 (0) 2941 59061.
Technical support for using the recruitment system: rekrytointi (at) helsinki.fi
A diverse and equal study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to
promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all skilled applicants from diverse
backgrounds to apply for our positions.