The University of Helsinki is offering five fully funded doctoral researcher positions within the CoastClim Biodiversity PhD Collegium. These positions are based at Tvärminne Zoological Station in southwestern Finland and focus on understanding how biodiversity influences coastal carbon cycling and climate feedbacks.
Successful candidates will engage in interdisciplinary research, utilizing field manipulations, laboratory experiments, and long-term observations to investigate the mechanisms behind biodiversity's role in carbon production, storage, transformation, and release in coastal ecosystems.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | PhD Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Helsinki |
| Department | Not specified |
| Location | Helsinki, Finland |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | International applicants |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | EUR 2,400/month (20% salary, 80% personal grant, tax only on salary portion) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Start date | Early 2027 |
| Application deadline | 07 December 2026 |
About the Position
The doctoral projects are interconnected, each focusing on a specific aspect of biodiversity and carbon cycling. Topics include experimental biodiversity manipulation, temporal biodiversity change and novel communities, functional biodiversity and benthic carbon cycling, multiple stressors affecting biodiversity and carbon dynamics, and pelagic/microbial biodiversity in coastal carbon cycling. Researchers will contribute to the overarching CoastClim hypothesis concerning differences in carbon regulation between healthy and degraded ecosystems.
Eligibility
- Strong foundation in benthic ecology, experimental design, and quantitative analysis (Project 1)
- Underwater fieldwork experience and scientific diving qualifications/experience highly desirable (Project 1)
- Strong statistical skills, experience handling ecological time series, and interest in community ecology (Project 2)
- Experience in experimental benthic ecology or molecular biodiversity methods is an advantage (Project 2)
- Background in benthic ecology or sediment biogeochemistry, field and laboratory skills, strong statistical knowledge, and ability to collaborate across disciplines (Project 3)
- Diving experience is an advantage (Project 3)
- Background in experimental marine ecology or aquatic biogeochemistry, sound experimental-design and statistical skills, and interest in laboratory incubations and gas-flux measurements (Project 4)
- Experience with multiple-stressor experiments is an advantage (Project 4)
- Strong background in microalgal or microbial ecology, good laboratory and field-sampling skills, and proficiency in statistics and/or bioinformatics (Project 5)
- Experience with coastal monitoring or oceanographic fieldwork is an advantage (Project 5)
- Must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within a six-month trial period.
Benefits
- Fully funded doctoral positions for four years.
- Opportunity to join the growing CoastClim consortium with collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Stockholm University.
- Based at Tvärminne Zoological Station on the southwestern coast of Finland.
- Comprehensive services for employees, including occupational health care.
- Support for a diverse and equitable study and work culture.
Documents Required
- Motivation letter (maximum two pages) describing interest and relevant experience, clearly stating which position is being applied for.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable).
- Two letters of recommendation, including referees' contact information.
How to Apply
- Submit all required documents as a single PDF file through the University of Helsinki's online recruitment system using the 'Apply Now' button.
- Applicants currently employed by the University of Helsinki should apply through the SAP Fiori portal via 'Employee login'.
Source: EURAXESS.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
Featured image: Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels
