Postdoctoral Researcher in Limnology and/or Aquatic Ecology
The Department of Biological and Environmental Science is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in Limnology and/or Aquatic Ecology starting April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible after that for a fixed-term project work until July 31, 2028.
Dark LaDy is a consortium project funded by the Research Council of Finland for 2025-2029 led by Syke, with Universities of Helsinki and Jyväskylä as partners. The project will link the quality of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (tDOM) and elemental loading to nutritional quality, biodiversity, functionality, overall biomass, as well as energy transfer and elemental cycles of aquatic food webs at ecosystem level. The top-down and bottom-up effects of browning are studied at different trophic levels combining biochemical and genetic analyses, stable isotopes, field and experimental studies and modelling. JYU research concentrates on studying ionomes (relative concentrations of all biogenic chemical elements in organisms), characterization of carbon quality, microbial production using fatty acid stable isotopes and water analyses.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with experience in limnology and/or aquatic ecology. Previous experience with elemental analyses, fatty acids, stable isotopes or carbon characterization is not mandatory, but it will be viewed as an advantage. We also expect the candidates to have:
- Independence and problem-solving skills.
- Ability and motivation to work as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Tasks include participating in lake sampling and mesocosm experiments in 2026 and 2027 in collaboration with SYKE and HY research groups, responsibility of elemental, water and carbon quality analysis, and measurements of microbial production. They involve data analyses, dissemination of research findings in scientific publications and conference presentations, as well as supervising master's and bachelor's students. The project offers the opportunity to work with novel methods in aquatic ecology with internationally renowned researchers and collaborators.
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
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 salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 of the university salary system 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. We also support your relocation to Jyväskylä with a settling-in allowance.
How to apply?
Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.
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.
- 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).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by January 9, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Senior Lecturer Katja Pulkkinen, katja.pulkkinen@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.
