The Department of Geography and Geology at the Faculty of Science, University of Turku, invites applications for a fixed-term Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher position (48 months), starting no earlier than 1 November 2026, or as agreed.
The Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher will work within the Towards more Biodiverse and Efficient Logging and Defence Operations (BiodiLogDef) project funded by Business Finland and the Digital Waters Flagship (DIWA). Within the BiodiLogDef project, the research will focus particularly on developing indicators of forest biodiversity using novel remote sensing methods. Within the Digital Waters Flagship, the research will investigate the effects of forest biodiversity on the hydrological cycle at the catchment scale.
The position will be based at the Department of Geography and Geology as part of the BiodiLogDef project and the Digital Waters (DIWA) Flagship (digitalwaters.fi). In the BiodiLogDef project, the work is carried out in close collaboration with the Departments of Biology (Prof. Toni Laaksonen) and Biodiversity Sciences (Prof. Ilari Sääksjärvi).
Job description
The successful candidate will work particularly on the following research themes:
- Development of indicators describing forest biodiversity
- Processing and management of remote sensing data, particularly lidar datasets
- The role of vegetation cover in the hydrological cycle at the catchment scale
Who we are looking for
The position is intended for an early-career researcher who has not yet completed a doctoral degree. Eligibility requirements for Project Researchers and Doctoral Researchers are defined in the Regulations of the University of Turku.
We expect applicants to have:
- A suitable Master's degree (e.g. in natural sciences, engineering, data science, or a related field). The degree must be completed by the end of the application period.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
- Competence in applying statistical methods and modelling.
- Experience in handling large geospatial and remote sensing datasets in environmental or natural sciences.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
The following qualifications will be considered an advantage:
- Strong IT and programming skills (e.g. Python, R).
- Proficiency in Finnish.
- Experience in similar research projects.
Candidates appointed as Doctoral Researchers must hold the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku and have a doctoral research plan that aligns with the project topic.
If the selected candidate does not hold doctoral study rights at the University of Turku by the end of the application period, the position will initially be filled under the title Project Researcher. The selected candidate will then be expected to apply for doctoral study rights in the next available call for doctoral admissions. More information is available through the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku and its doctoral programmes.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
- Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
- Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
- We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time.
- An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level of the position is 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately 2658 -3300 euros/month at the beginning of the assignment.
The position has a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Friday 23.10.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applicants should enclose with their application:
- A motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Degree certificates
- Any other documents relevant to the evaluation of the application
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Ville Kankare, ville.kankare(at)utu.fi
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaisa.ketomaki(at)utu.fi
