Doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity change

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a doctoral researcher position at the Department of Biology. The position is fully funded 3-years, and we will support efforts to obtain additional funding. Employment begins in June 2025 at the earliest, and no later than 1 of August 2025.

We are seeking a highly motivated project doctoral researcher to investigate large scale patterns of biodiversity change in Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland project “SynthBioChange - Harnessing global data on Lepidoptera to unravel biodiversity change”. The overarching aim of SynthBioChange is to reveal the patterns and mechanisms of biodiversity change across ecological and spatial scales. This will be achieved by leveraging existing databases and using a combination of modelling approaches and synthesis to systematically quantify change across multiple biodiversity dimensions (taxonomic, functional and genetic), for populations, species and communities, and from local to global scales. Combining these approaches under a unified framework will elucidate the patterns of vulnerability and resilience to global change for this mega-diverse insect group.

The PhD project contributes to this overall goal. The successful candidate is expected to benefit from and collaborate with other team members, which also includes a postdoc, as well as with the extended network of collaborators within SynthBioChange.

Job description

In the BioChange Lab we investigate how biodiversity is changing by combining large-scale analyses of long-term observations, aiming to build solutions to alleviate the consequences of global change for ecosystems and societies. We are looking for an enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in biodiversity change and ecological dynamics. The ideal candidate has a background in community ecology, macroecology and/or global change, and a research profile including ecological modelling skills. The project researcher / doctoral researcher will analyse large datasets of abundance time series to investigate changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of butterflies and moths across space and time. The project aims to further investigate how environmental drivers impact those changes. Thus, experience in investigating species and/or community responses to e.g. climate and land-use would be considered an advantage. The doctoral researcher will design their own research questions within the scope of the overall project according to their interests and expertise. The doctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Laura Antão.

Working as a doctoral researcher

The doctoral researcher is expected to:

  1. advance the research project together with the project team;
  2. conduct doctoral studies and independent research work leading to a PhD thesis within 4 years;
  3. write scientific papers aimed at international peer-reviewed journals;
  4. contribute to teaching duties (maximum 5% of working time).
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Who we are looking for

Requirements 

  • A Master’s degree in Ecology or related field, e.g. Community ecology, Landscape ecology, Conservation science, Computational ecology, Environmental sciences. Applicants must have completed their MSc degree before the application deadline.
  • Previous experience in data analysis using R (or other relevant programming language).
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

In addition, the ideal candidate would also have:

  • Background in community ecology, biodiversity modelling and/or synthesis studies are considered strong assets.
  • Proven ability to produce peer-reviewed publications
  • Strong computational and statistical skills
  • Database or project management skills
  • Knowledge of Lepidoptera.

The selection criteria are based on finding the most qualified and suitable candidate, including emphasis on the research potential of the applicant, as well as motivation and personal suitability for the position.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

To be eligible for the position of doctoral researcher, you must have a study right for doctoral studies from the University of Turku. If the successful candidate does not hold a study right from the University of Turku before the application deadline, the position will initially be filled as a project researcher and the successful candidate will be expected to apply for the right to study in the next possible postgraduate search. Read more about the University of Turku's doctoral programmes and how to apply for study rights Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku

The qualification requirements for doctoral researchers are set in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure

Benefits

  • Opportunity to conduct novel research on pressing questions on biodiversity change
  • Opportunity to contribute intellectually to the project’s aims and develop your skills (e.g. coding, statistical and spatial analysis)
  • Supportive and stimulating research environment in a new group, with a working culture that fosters healthy work-life balance and equality
  • Exceptional scope for international collaboration and networking, including collaborating with researchers at the University of Helsinki and University of Aberdeen (UK) and opportunities to attend international conferences
  • Access to state-of-the-art resources and a vibrant scientific community, with excellent support to further professional development

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee 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 logo. The logo 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 salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be based on demand levels 2-4, 2225,83-2775,28€ month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid.  For a doctoral researcher / project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will be approximately 2400 - 2500 €/month at the beginning of the employment.

There is a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Friday 25.4.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

  • a motivation letter (max 1 page) where you:
    1. outline your research interests and background and describe why you are the right person for this position;
    2. include 1 short paragraph introducing a research question you would like to explore in this project.
  • a CV, including education, work experience and list of publications (max 2 pages)
  • names and contact information of two academic references
  • MSc degree certificate(s)

Other documents showcasing the candidate’s merits and suitableness for the position can be submitted as 'Other attachment' in the online recruitment portal.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant professor Laura Antão, laura.antao(at)utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaiketom(at)utu.fi

Department of Biology

In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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Doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity change

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