The Department of Biological and Environmental Science is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the positions of 

TWO POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS and/or DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS in COMMUNITY ECOLOGY and/or FUNGAL ECOLOGY

The positions starts on 1^st May 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a fixed term of three years for the post doc and for four years for the Doctoral Researcher.

Qualifications we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with background in empirical community ecology, in theoretical community ecology, or in fungal ecology. The successful candidate will join Professor Otso Ovaskainen’s and Senior Researcher Nerea Abrego’s research team at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä. Professor Ovaskainen leads the ERC-synergy project LIFEPLAN 2020-2026 (“Planetary Inventory of Life”) that combines a global biodiversity sampling campaign (based on DNA-, audio- and image-based methods) with the development of novel bioinformatics and statistical methods for big ecological data. LIFEPLAN is implemented in close collaboration with professor Tomas Roslin (Uppsala, Sweden; biodiversity research) and professor David Dunson (Duke, USA; statistics and machine learning). Senior Researcher Nerea Abrego uses fungal communities as a model system to integrate theoretical and empirical research in community ecology. The successful candidate will become integrated in this international consortium with world leading expertise in biodiversity research, community ecology, statistical ecology and bioinformatics. 

You are the person we are looking for if you have a Doctoral/Master’s degree, or be about to obtain a Doctoral/Master’s degree, in ecology or a related field.

While the exact application field can be selected based on the expertise and interests of the applicant, we are particularly interested in combining experimental, observational and theoretical research to yield an increasingly mechanistic understanding of community ecology. We are interested in research on all taxonomical groups, yet applicants with a background in fungal ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Knowledge about molecular methods and especially species identification through DNA barcoding is counted as a plus.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher and a doctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. You are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills and to be able to work independently. A good command of English is required and a proficiency to teach in English will be considered beneficial. The PhD/MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The annual salary range will be approximately 40,000 EUR for the Postdoctoral Researcher (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, and 28,000 EUR for the Doctoral Researcher. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

1. A two-page long Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
   1. Cover letter including a statement of research interests.
   2. A numbered list of publications, if any
   3. Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the PhD)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by April 15th, 2021.

For further details, please contact: Professor Otso Ovaskainen, otso.t.ovaskainen@jyu.fi
 

The research in the Department focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.