Doctoral Researcher in forest sustainability
We are seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher who will focus on sustainability of use and value creation related to forests, starting autumn 2025 or as soon as possible after that for a maximum of four years. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies.
Relevance of the research
Forests are central to Finland’s biodiversity, climate goals, and cultural identity, yet their use often involves trade-offs between ecological, social, and economic objectives. Regenerative business models aim to create value in ways that strengthen ecosystems and societal wellbeing, moving beyond conventional profit-focused approaches. This project will generate scientific evidence on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of such models, informing more sustainable forest use and policy development.
This transdisciplinary PhD project is a collaboration between the Boreal Ecosystems Research Group (BERG) from the Department of Biological and Environmental Science and researchers from Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics (JSBE). The project is co-funded by the Faculty of Mathematics and Science and Metsä Group as part of a pilot initiative to strengthen collaboration between companies and the university. This provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of academic research and industry, with direct interaction with company representatives and diverse stakeholders throughout the project.
The work combines qualitative (business)management studies with quantitative ecological fieldwork and scenario modelling to assess how regenerative forestry practices affect biodiversity, ecosystem services, and economic outcomes, and how organisations can co-create sustainable value with their networks.
In this position you will:
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge sustainability and forest based sector research.
- Carry out interviews and focus groups studies with stakeholders in the forest value network.
- Conduct field measurements of biodiversity and ecosystem services in regeneratively and conventionally managed forest stands.
- Apply forest growth simulation and multi-objective optimization (with help of experts) to evaluate large-scale impacts and trade-offs of regenerative forestry practices.
- Present your research at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a motivated candidate with:
- A Master’s degree in environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, natural resource management, sustainable business management, or a related field.
- Willingness and social skills to engage in dialogue with diverse stakeholders in the forest-based sector.
- Interest in transdisciplinary research approaches.
- Skills in ecological fieldwork and/or forestry planning (including economic aspects) are considered an asset but not required.
- A good command of spoken and written English. Finnish language is an asset, but not a requirement.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application process at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science if they do not already have them.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be part of an international, multidisciplinary, and supportive research environment. As a doctoral researcher in this project, you will also be part of the JYU.Wisdom community, the School of Resource Wisdom, which brings together researchers and stakeholders working on planetary wellbeing, sustainability transitions, and natural resource use. At the University of Jyväskylä, the welfare of each individual is important. 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 salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2400 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A 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.
- A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by 15th of September 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information:
- Professor Mikko Mönkkönen (main supervisor), mikko.monkkonen@jyu.fi
- Senior Researcher Daniel Burgas (co-supervisor), daniel.d.burgas@jyu.fi
- Academy Research Fellow Annukka Näyhä (co-supervisor), annukka.nayha@jyu.fi
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science 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.
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
