Postdoctoral Researcher in audio-based avian ecology
Deaprtment of Biological and Environmental Science is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in audio-based avian ecology for a fixed-term of three years. The position will start earliest June 2026 and latest September 2026.
The postdoctoral researcher to be recruited will focus on avian ecology using data acquired by acoustic sensors. Our existing database consists of two major sources: ca. 200 years of passive acoustic monitoring data collected in the globally distributed LIFEPLAN project (Hardwick et al. 2024, Somervuo et al. 2025), and citizen science data collected by 300,000 Finns by a smartphone app that we have developed (Ovaskainen et al. 2026). In addition to utilizing these existing data resources, the person to be recruited will collect new data using the BirdPipe device that we have developed for real-time acoustic monitoring through wireless communication (Ovaskainen et al. 2025). The species detections from the audio data will be inferred with machine learning based classifiers that we have developed in earlier research (Lauha et al. 2022), with the person to be recruited manually annotating for small subsets of the data for improving the classifiers and validating their outputs. The postdoctoral researcher will take leadership in small-scale field experiments and in addressing ecological research questions with the above mentioned data sources. The research environment consists of the multidisciplinary Predictive Community Ecology Group and the Finnish Digital Citizen Science Centre.
References:
- Hardwick et al. 2024. LIFEPLAN: A worldwide biodiversity sampling design. PLOS ONE 19, e0313353. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313353
- Lauha et al. 2022. Domain-specific neural networks improve automated bird sound recognition already with small amount of local data. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 13, 2799-2810. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.14003
- Ovaskainen et al. 2025. Building future monitoring together – towards improved acoustic monitoring of European birds and bats. Bird Census News 38, 48–55.
- Ovaskainen et al. 2026. A digital twin for real-time biodiversity forecasting with citizen science data. Nature Ecology & Evolution 10, 481–495. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02966-3
- Somervuo et al. 2025. Human contributions to global soundscapes are less predictable than the acoustic rhythms of wildlife. Nature Ecology & Evolution 9, 1585–1598. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02786-5
Who should apply
The applicants are expected to have a PhD in biological sciences (e.g., ecology), but also applicants with more technical background (e.g. PhD in statistics, machine learning or computer science) with prior experience in bird ecology can be considered. Prior research on bird ecology, bird identification skills, experience with working with large datasets using script pipelines, and inclination to teamwork are valued. Proficiency in English is essential.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
How to apply?
To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone).
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 informal 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.
- A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by May 31, 2026.
For further information, please contact Academy Professor Otso Ovaskainen, otso.t.ovaskainen@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. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants 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-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
You cannot save your application as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete the application before the time limit expires. Once you have submitted your application, you can make changes at any time before the deadline using the link we will send to your email.
