University of Oulu is an international scientific community, with 14,000 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/. University of Oulu has a wide academic base with 8 faculties and several research institutes.

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3) (www.oulu.fi/water) research covers a broad area of expertise including hydrology, water resources engineering and various aspects of environmental sciences. Our research unit is a multinational and interdisciplinary group of 50 researchers and doctoral students working in a modern, up-to-date research environment. The unit is a leading hub for understanding complex interactions related to land-water-energy management and finding ways for a more sustainable future. Relevant to the current positions, it has strong groups on northern hydrology, peatland hydrology, hydrosystems engineering, water supply engineering, natural based systems, land use and climate change modelling and assessment. The unit has a strong collaboration in Oulu with different disciplines and with the Finnish research institute sector.

Work description

This doctoral student position is linked to a large EU H2020 project called WATERAGRI that has a specific focus on agricultural water management and nutrient recovery from waste streams. The position is linked to tasks related to “development of sustainable solutions for local management of water and nutrients in agricultural areas”.

“The WATERAGRI project is about researching the new frontiers in integrated water resources management of small agricultural catchments to improve both European agricultural production and the status of local ecosystems. Our consortium is committed to significantly improve agricultural water management." - Prof. Miklas Scholz, WATERAGRI Coordinator

The work includes assessment of water management and nutrient retention methods used in EU considering their technical applicability, functionality, costs and environmental benefit.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong ability to work with complex problems using approaches from social sciences in particular. The selected applicant will work in a team with various experts.

The specific subject areas of this position are related to research on:

• Stakeholder mapping, stakeholder engagement plan and interviews
• Outlining of key solutions in water management in a user-friendly way for stakeholders
• Assessment of various water technologies from their technical, socio-economical, legal and environmental aspects
• Communication with various stakeholders and experts
• Sustainability assessments and planning of water management solutions
• Outline of recommendations and pathways for adaptation and future policies

Requirements

• MSc preferably in social sciences, geography, resources management or water engineering, environmental sciences or similar fields with good grades
• Understanding and interest in solving complex land use and water resources management challenges locally and globally
• Fluency in both in oral and written English
• Ability to work both independently and with different experts, stakeholders and research teams

Assessment of the applicants’ qualifications will be based on the following criteria acknowledging the content of the job: education, previous work experience.

Terms of employment

The duration of the position is 2 years, beginning on September 1, 2020 (or as soon as possible). A six-month trial period will be applied to the position.

The salary is in accordance with the university salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 2 - 4 of the demand level chart. In addition to the basic salary, supplementary salary will be paid for personal achievement and performance, the sum rising to a maximum of 50 % of the basic salary level for the post. The typical starting salary for a doctoral student is €2,300 per month.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted online by May 10, 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 application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A motivation letter summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here (max. 3 pages).
2. A curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity, available from https://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae.
3. A publication list based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland:https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/
4. A copy of the applicant’s Master’s 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.
5. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Tamara Avellan, tamara.avellan(at)gmail.com

Professor Björn Klöve, bjorn.klove(at)oulu.fi
WE3 Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu