Doctoral Researcher, Arctic-alpine hydrology and ecology

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in Arctic-alpine hydrology and ecology

for a 3-year fixed-term position to join us in the Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Unit.

About the job

We are seeking a Doctoral researcher to study how the changing hydrological and snow conditions of Arctic and alpine environments are affecting the ecology of cold-adapted species and ecosystem processes of tundra and high-mountain regions. The doctoral project is linked to the “Global trends and ecology of late-lying snowbeds” project funded by the Research Council of Finland and lead by Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen. The doctoral project has flexibility, and the exact theme can be shaped based on the interests and skills of the candidate.

The role involves fieldwork in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, especially at the Kilpisjärvi research station, in e.g., monitoring plant communities, mapping soil properties, and maintaining microclimate logger networks. The position can also be linked to the Arctic, Antarctic and Mountain initiative, a network of ~150 researchers across the world that works on a global microclimate dataset and promotes microclimate research across disciplines.

There is also budget for a 1–2-month research visit to University of Lausanne, Switzerland during which you can visit the key collaborators of the project.

The position is located at the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, in the Faculty of Technology. Our water research team includes 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water research, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, and groundwater research. However, you will work in a multidisciplinary team involving hydrologists, geographers, ecologists, and data scientists.

Your responsibilities can include some of the following depending on the final topic of your doctoral project:

• Conduct field work in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway.
• Collect and analyse novel plant community and functional trait datasets from Arctic and alpine regions.
• Collect and analyse soil samples from tundra sites to study the recent ecosystem changes caused by a shorter snow season.
• Collect and analyse tree-ring data on Arctic-alpine shrubs
• Integrate novel satellite-born datasets into ecological models of Arctic and alpine species and ecosystems.
• Collaborate with ecologists and hydrologists to assess the impacts of hydrological and cryospheric changes on ecosystems and water resources.
• Analyse large microclimate datasets to study how recent snow changes have affected the local conditions
• Publish 3 high-quality research articles and finish your doctoral degree. 

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position as part of a collaborative and innovative team. We help you to grow and realise your full scientific potential. You will have the opportunity to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. You will have access to our unique global infrastructure and datasets but also collect your own data and plan your own studies.

The University of Oulu offers

• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To succeed in the position, you are required to have:

• A relevant master’s degree in biology, ecology, physical geography, hydrology, soil science, environmental science or a related field. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
• Initial research plan
• Ability and motivation for doctoral studies
• Enthusiasm for scientific exploration!
• Basic understanding of statistical data analysis
• Basic knowledge in programming languages such as R, Python or Julia
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Good communication skills
• You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS). 

We also appreciate any of the following:

• Experience with satellite remote sensing data and analyses
• Experience with collecting and analysing drone imagery
• Identification skills in northern plant species
• Expertise with any other relevant organism group
• Experience in analysing soil samples

Salary

The position is fixed-term position for 3 years, beginning on 1.6.2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

The salary of selected doctoral researcher will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2700-2900 € per month (before taxes).

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by May 3, 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter (max 2 pages) where you explain your motivation for this position, why you would like to obtain a PhD and what are your own interests around the given topic.
2. CV (max 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. An initial research plan (max 2 pages): What would you like to study and how?

Eligible applicants best fitting 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.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

Assistant Professor Pekka Niittynen, pekka.niittynen@oulu.fi

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, hannu.marttila@oulu.fi