Research scientist, doctoral researcher

Join Luke’s Soil Ecosystems group to study plant traits and methane cycling in European peatlands! A 4-year PhD project includes fieldwork, lab experiments, and international collaboration. Great opportunity to grow as a researcher.

Wetlands are the largest and increasing natural source of methane and a major source of uncertainty in the global methane budgets. Aerenchymous wetland plants act as conduits of methane and oxygen transport between soil and the atmosphere, and provide substrate for methane production, having a major impact on methane emissions from these ecosystems. We are looking for a PhD student to join an project that aims to identify and quantify the key plant properties that regulate methane cycling in peatlands and link these properties with microbial community structure in pristine, restored and drained peatlands.

We are seeking a PhD student to join Luke’s Soil Ecosystems group for a four-year project funded by the Academy of Finland called “Trait-based understanding of aerenchymous plant controls on peatland methane cycle (TraPeats)”. The tasks include collecting research data in the field and laboratory, conducting a mesocosm experiment with peatland plants in the laboratory, data processing and analysis, as well as scientific publishing at an international level. The project involves a field work campaign in Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia and Finland, and a research visit to a collaborating organization in Czech Republic. The selected person is expected to pursue a doctoral degree during the project.

Our expectations of the applicant

We expect that the applicant has a MSc degree in plant physiology/ecology, soil science, environmental sciences, forestry or similar (or is in the final stages of their MSc studies). We expect in-depth knowledge about soil biogeochemical cycles and/or plant ecology and physiology as well as hands-on experience on working in lab and field. Experience in plant ecophysiological measurements, setting up and running mesocosm experiments and greenhouse gas flux measurements is an advantage. We also appreciate strong statistical skills.
The position involves intensive field and laboratory work as well as setting up and conducting a mesocosm experiment in the laboratory, thus eagerness and skills to both field and lab work is necessary. The selected candidate will participate in a 1.5-month international field campaign and undertake a 2-month research visit to the Czech Republic. The successful applicant should possess good teamwork as well as the ability to work independently and under pressure. The ability to learn new methods and scientific theories is an advantage. Excellent skills in oral and written English are required.
We offer a chance to gain multidisciplinary skills in an international and diverse team (biogeochemistry, microbiology, plant biochemistry, plant ecology) within Luke and through our collaborators. This position is an excellent opportunity to develop a scientific career and build an international network.

We offer you

The well-being of our people and a positive approach towards innovation and development are particularly important to us. Our mobile work model allows you to work in Finland in the location most appropriate for your work. In addition, we provide flexible hours, and as your employment with us continues, long vacations. We offer lunch benefits, as well as sports, culture, or commuting support.

Clarifications

The person selected for the position might need to undergo standard security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject’s rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Contact Information

Aino Korrensalo
Research Scientist
+358 50 478 6113
[email protected]

Päivi Mäkiranta
Group Manager
+358 29 532 2343
[email protected]

How to apply

Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.

The Registry of Natural Resources Institute Finland

Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki, Finland

Organisation

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research and expert organisation that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources. Through research, we create value and solutions for our customers and society by solving local and global challenges.
Being open-minded, curious, and having a strong will to make a positive impact in the world bind Luke people together. We value our diverse working community consisting of people with different backgrounds and cultures and promote equality. Sustainability is included in all our operations.

Location

Oulu, Helsinki, Joensuu

Locations

You can work at one of our following locations

Oulu
Paavo Havaksen tie 3
90570 Oulu

Helsinki
Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki

Joensuu
Yliopistokatu 6 b
80100 Joensuu

Position information

Other information of the position

• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
• Description of the remote work: Mobile work is used at Luke. This means that work is performed where it suits best. Mobile work is only possible within Finland, and the practices of mobile work are agreed with the supervisor. We also meet regularly face-to-face.
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Trial period: The trial period is half the duration of the employment contract, but not exceeding six (6) months.
• Remuneration information: The position is at complexity level 6 in Luke’s salary system and the position specific salary is EUR 3014,85 per month. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance will be paid (max. 50% of the position specific salary). A new employee’s personal performance component depends on competence and experience and generally falls in the range of 15-20 %. The applicant may also present a separate salary request.