High-resolution data analysis to link hydrological connectivity and isotope biogeochemistry

The University of Oulu is an international scientific community, with 15,000 students and approximately 3,000 employees. By combining multidisciplinary research and education, high-level infrastructure and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes, companies and the public sector it has created a significant research and innovation hub of “Science with an Arctic Attitude”. More information https://www.oulu.fi/university/.

The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (www.oulu.fi/water) research covers a broad area of expertise including hydrology and environmental studies. Our research unit is a multinational group working in a modern, up-to-date research environment.

Work description

The Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3), is opening a 2-year position for a Postdoctoral researcher for research on northern ecohydrology - linking catchment connectivity to high resolution measurements. We are looking for a talented and motivated Postdoctoral scientist dedicated to combining field research and multi-scale data analysis of the water cycle. The selected applicant will work on research tasks in a project funded by ArcI - Arctic Interactions and Global Change profile area of the University of Oulu. Work is led by assistant processor Hannu Marttila as part of his Northern Hydrology research group.

The research aims are to better understand variation in ecohydrological connectivity and biogeochemical processes in sub-arctic catchment. The work utilizes several on-going high-frequency measurements (fdom, water isotopes, eddy covariance, etc.) and high resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based datasets. The successful applicant will use the novel data to link ecohydrology and biogeochemistry with emerging research methods, such as spatially distributed high-frequency numerical modeling and wavelet analysis. The work is closely linked to the Pallas supersite in Northern Finland where a group of 8 – 10 researchers including 2 – 3 PhD students and a senior researcher work on ecohydrology. The work is done in close cooperation with Ecology and Genetics Research Unit at University of Oulu including UArctic’s Research Chair Professor Jeff Welker and his team of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Finnish Environment institute (SYKE) and several other national and international co-operation partners are involved.

Further information about the ArcI and Pallas site can be found from the webpages:
https://www.oulu.fi/water/node/63340
https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/hs/2019/06/19/featured-catchment-series-pallas/

Requirements

• PhD in hydrology, environmental engineering, soil science, ecology, geography or a related field of environmental sciences
• Broad understanding of hydrological processes and biogeochemical processes is advantageous
• Strong and demonstrated data analysis and numerical skills, and knowledge from programming languages such as R, Python, Matlab, etc.
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Ability to work both independently and with different research groups and teams
• Good track-record of scientific publishing in top journals of the research field

Salary
The salary is in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 5 of the demand level chart (postdoctoral researcher). In addition to the basic salary, supplementary salary will be given for personal achievement and performance, the sum rising to a maximum of 50 % of the basic salary level for the post. Typical salary for a starting postdoctoral fellow is 3,300 €.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted online by March 31^st, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The eligible applicants fitting best in the expected research profile may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

1. Cover letter (1 - 2 pages) describing the applicant’s experience and suitability for the position
2. CV incl. list of publications; Follow the curriculum vitae model of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK), available from https://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae.
3. A copy of the applicant’s doctoral and master of science degree diplomas, or, if not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date.
4. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

The duration of the position is 2 years, beginning on 1^st of June 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of a contract.

Further details are available from
Assistant professor Hannu Marttila (hannu.marttila(at)oulu.fi)

We are looking forward to your application!