Postdoctoral Researcher in sustainability transitions
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the project "Turning away from the brink of a failing sustainability transition: recognizing and managing failure in sustainability initiatives" at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland. The two-year position will start on 1.12.2025 or as agreed.
This multidisciplinary project advances sustainability science by developing strategies to anticipate and prevent unintended social and environmental outcomes of sustainability initiatives. It generates cutting-edge knowledge to support more just and effective sustainability transitions in natural resource systems.
The postdoctoral researcher will develop and apply a social-ecological simulation model (preferably an agent-based model) to analyze the impacts of sustainability initiatives in forest systems. The model aims to provide new insights into the role of complex human-environment interactions in achieving sustainability. The postdoctoral researcher will take primary responsibility for the model’s design and analysis, working in close collaboration with the project team, and will produce high-impact research articles. With strong support from experts in the project’s multidisciplinary team, the position offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced skills in social–ecological modeling, complex systems research, and sustainability science.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a motivated candidate with:
- PhD in sustainability science, environmental science, ecology, computational social science, or a related field.
- Research experience in social-ecological systems or human-environment interactions.
- Strong programming and data analysis skills (e.g., NetLogo, R, Python).
- Experience with quantitative modeling, preferably agent-based modeling.
- Demonstrated ability to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent English skills, both written and oral.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in advancing sustainability science through quantitative research. They combine technical excellence in coding and modeling with the ability to conduct innovative, high-impact research. The candidate enjoys working in an multidisciplinary and international team and values collaboration, openness, and respect in research environments.
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
- Funding for 2 years.
- Supervision in all aspects of the work and a highly skilled multidisciplinary project team
- International, enthusiastic working environment (working language is English) and a large collaborator network
- Excellent research infrastructure at Jyväskylä and in collaborators’ (incl. Konnevesi research station), labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, software, access to journals and scientific databases.
- Resources for travel to project’s collaborator universities, conferences or workshops abroad, possibility to visit workshops to improve specific skills in e.g. data analysis
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 3600-4300 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
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).
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by September 15, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
Informal enquiries to Johanna Yletyinen, johanna.k.yletyinen@jyu.fi, about the position are welcome.
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. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview.
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.
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