The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a permanent position of University Researcher in the Department of Geography and Geology, starting on 1 October 2026 or as agreed.
The position is administratively located within the Department of Geography and Geology. The work will be carried out at the University Consortium of Pori and in Turku to the extent required by the duties.
Position Description
We are seeking a University Research Fellow to help build a new international Master of Science (Technology) degree programme, particularly in the fields of remote sensing and geospatial computing, while also advancing research on digital waters. The position is divided equally between research within the Digital Waters (DIWA) Flagship and teaching and programme development within the Space Technology and Environmental Remote Sensing degree programme.
The University Research Fellow will serve as a bridge between high-quality research, research-based teaching, and regional impact. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Departments of Geography and Geology, Physics and Astronomy, Biodiversity Sciences, the City of Pori, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), and national and international partners.
Research Responsibilities in the DIWA Flagship (approximately 50%)
The research component is linked to the DIWA Flagship’s goal of developing digital twins of aquatic environments, novel observation systems, and integrated analysis and modelling approaches. The position focuses on holistic catchment-scale studies and the development of scalable methods for monitoring the state, changes, and interactions of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting independent and collaborative research in environmental remote sensing, catchment processes, and geospatial analytics.
- Utilizing multi-source remote sensing datasets, with a particular emphasis on integrating satellite LiDAR and UAV data with field observations.
- Applying statistical modelling, automated machine learning approaches, and artificial intelligence for the analysis and visualization of large geospatial datasets.
- Translating research data and results into applications supporting sustainable water management and environmental monitoring.
- Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, responsibly managing research data and software, and promoting open science.
- Preparing and acquiring external research funding and building research collaborations and networks.
- Supervising Master's, Master of Science (Technology), and doctoral students, and contributing to the development of the research group.
Teaching and Degree Programme Development in Pori (approximately 50%)
The University Research Fellow will be responsible for teaching environmental remote sensing within the international Space Technology and Environmental Remote Sensing Master's programme in Engineering, launching in 2027. Teaching will be conducted in English and will combine research-based learning, operational data analytics, project-based learning, and collaboration with the Pori Space Lab network.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing, delivering, assessing, and continuously developing remote sensing courses, as well as producing and supervising learning materials, exercises, and project work.
- Taking primary responsibility for courses covering the fundamentals of environmental remote sensing, remote sensing methods, geospatial data analysis, and image processing.
- Supervising practical exercises and projects involving satellite, airborne and UAV datasets, laser scanning, GIS, machine learning, and environmental modelling.
- Supervising Master's theses, internships, and research projects, and supporting students' individual study pathways.
- Participating in curriculum development, programme quality assurance, and teaching collaboration with the Turku campus, SAMK, and other partners.
- Strengthening links between education and working life and fostering collaboration with companies and stakeholders in the Satakunta region.
Course titles and the precise allocation of duties will be determined during curriculum planning. The position offers the selected candidate the opportunity to influence the pedagogical design and thematic focus of remote sensing studies from the outset.
Qualifications and Expectations
According to the Rules of Procedure of the University of Turku, candidates for a University Research Fellow position is expected to have a doctoral degree and evidence of scientific research and necessary teaching skills. In addition, the ability to direct a research group and to obtain supplementary research funding is required. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be put on international research activities and evidence of international co-operation.
In addition, successful candidates should have:
- A relevant doctoral degree in geography, geoinformatics, remote sensing, environmental sciences, forest sciences, hydrology, or another suitable field.
- Strong expertise in environmental remote sensing and geospatial data analysis, and experience with at least one major observation technology or dataset type (e.g., laser scanning, optical satellite imagery, radar, UAV, or aerial imaging).
- Strong programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python and/or R), as well as proficiency in GIS software and reproducible analytical workflows.
- Evidence of high-quality scientific publishing and the ability to develop an independent research agenda aligned with the objectives of the DIWA Flagship.
- Experience in university-level teaching, course design, and student supervision.
- Excellent written and spoken English, together with strong collaboration, communication, and organisational skills.
- Willingness to work regularly in Pori and collaborate with research groups based on the Turku campus.
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Research experience related to catchments, aquatic systems, forests, biodiversity, or land-water interactions.
- Expertise in integrating multi-source datasets, machine learning, environmental modelling, or the development of digital twins.
- Experience in international and English-language teaching, hybrid teaching, and project- or problem-based learning methods.
- Evidence of securing research funding, leading research projects, and collaborating with industry or the public sector.
- Proficiency in Finnish and/or Swedish.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
What We Offer
We offer a responsible and impactful position at the intersection of a new degree programme and a national flagship research initiative. You will have the opportunity to help build the Pori hub for expertise in space technology and environmental remote sensing while working within a multidisciplinary and international university community.
We offer:
- The opportunity to develop a long-term research programme and related teaching activities within the DIWA and Pori Space Lab networks.
- Extensive research, observation, and computing networks, as well as versatile training and professional development opportunities.
- Comprehensive occupational healthcare, wellbeing services, and access to CampusSport services at staff rates.
- Flexible working hours, remote working opportunities in accordance with university policies, and a supportive work community in both Turku and Pori.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
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.
Salary and Trial Period
The salary is based on the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research personnel at demand level 6, supplemented by a personal performance component.
At the beginning of the appointment, the monthly salary will be approximately €4,500–5,500, depending on prior experience and qualifications.
The position has a trial period of six months.
Application Instructions
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Friday 18.9.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Please attach:
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your suitability for the research and teaching responsibilities.
- A research vision (maximum 2 pages) describing your role within the DIWA Flagship and the new research programme.
- A CV prepared according to the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) guidelines, together with a copy of your doctoral degree certificate.
- A publication list prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- A concise teaching portfolio or description of teaching merits (maximum 3 pages).
- Any other documents relevant to the selection process.
Applicants may be asked to give a teaching demonstration and present their research vision during the interview process.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: professor Petteri Alho, mipeal(at)utu.fi, tel. +358 50 570 8333.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaiketom(at)utu.fi
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