The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

One-year postdoctoral researcher position on Barnacle Goose movement ecology and behavior at the University of Turku

We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher to a project studying the movement ecology of barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) during their stopovers in cultivated field areas in Eastern Finland. This sub-project (led by professor Toni Laaksonen at UTU) is a part of a larger project led by research professor Jukka Forsman at Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). The larger main project studies the ways of mitigating the conflict between farmers and the increasing number of migrating barnacle geese making a stopover in Eastern Finland. In the sub-project, we study how GPS-tagged individual geese choose their feeding sites and how they respond to targeted repelling actions.      

As a postdoctoral researcher in the project you are expected to take part in GPS-tagging the geese (70) and to lead the fieldwork in doing targeted repelling actions. Your primary task is thereafter to analyse and publish these data and to participate in the analysis of habitat selection data. We also expect some participation in teaching and supervision of PhD and undergraduate students in this field of research. The main criteria in the selection are experience and demonstrated ability to publish high-quality science in this field, ability to collaborate but also work independently, and motivation. Previous experience with analysis of movement or other behavioral data is an asset.

The qualification requirements of the positions are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure. The doctoral degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

You will be situated in the newly formed group of professor Toni Laaksonen at University of Turku that consists of several post docs and PhD students. The research environment is the Department of Biology that has a number of excellent scientists working on behaviour and population ecology of birds and other taxa. The vivid international environment, helpful atmosphere and group activities are highly supportive for the project.

There is a trial period of six months.

The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is based on the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a Postdoctoral Researcher, the salary is at levels 4-6 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2563,09 - 3460,91 euro per month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal performance component is a 6% – 50% of the task-specific base salary. An estimated salary in this position is 3500-3600€.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 10th of March, 2021 (23:59), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?id=000010753&did=5600&lang=en&jc=14&nav_from_open_jobs_view_new=true

The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). Please include the following information in the application: 1) a max. one page letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in the position and why you would be suitable for it; 2) CV (including your personal details, working experience and publications); 3) a copy of degree certificate with translation in English or Finnish; and 4) the names and contact information of 1-2 senior scientists from whom references can potentially be asked.

Start date can be flexible but will ideally be 1.4.2021 and there is funding for 14 months. We can apply further funding together from several potential sources. 

Additional information can be asked from Toni Laaksonen (toni.laaksonen@utu.fi) and some further information can be found from the following web pages:

Research environment: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-science/biology

PI Toni Laaksonen: https://www.utu.fi/en/people/toni-laaksonen