Postdoctoral researcher in Biogeography of genetic diversity changes or Macrogenetics

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral researcher position at the Department of Biology. Employment begins in mid-April 2025 at the earliest or upon agreement, but no later than June 2025.We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate large scale patterns of genetic diversity 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 of abundance time series and genetic sequence data 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.Job descriptionIn 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 a postdoctoral researcher with a background in (macro)ecology, global change and/or evolutionary ecology. The ideal candidate has strong ecological modelling skills and a research profile on spatial genetic analyses and/or macrogenetics – i.e. experience in investigating genetic diversity across space and/or large-scale community-level patterns using sequence data and bioinformatic tools. The postdoctoral researcher will develop pipelines to mine and combine data from publicly available genetic data repositories (e.g. BOLD and Genbank) and implement the analyses regarding genetic diversity in the project. The postdoctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Laura Antão, but is also expected to work closely with other collaborators within SynthBioChange. The postdoctoral researcher’s tasks also include some teaching (maximum 5% of working time).

Who we are looking for
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Requirements A PhD in a relevant field, e.g. Ecology, Population Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Ecology, or related disciplines. Applicants must have completed their PhD degree before the application deadline.Proficiency in bioinformatic, programming and statistical analysis computational tools, with excellent coding and data visualization skills (R or other relevant programming language)Knowledge of common molecular biology research methodsProven ability to conduct independent research and publish in internationally recognized scientific journalsExcellent communication skills in English, both spoken and writtenStrong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a teamIn addition, the ideal candidate would also have:Experience with macroecological studies, genomics, molecular ecology, community or environmental ecologyDatabase or project management skillsExperience/knowledge of Lepidoptera is an asset but not a requirement.We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
Opportunity to conduct novel and cutting-edge research on biodiversity change and evolutionary dynamicsSupportive and stimulating research environment in a new group, with a working culture that fosters healthy work-life balance and equalityOpportunity to develop your skills and contribute intellectually to the project’s aimsExceptional 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 conferencesAccess to state-of-the-art resources and a vibrant scientific community, with excellent support to further professional developmentPlease 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:City of TurkuWelcome visitorInternational House of TurkuWorking culture: infoFinland.fiThis is FinlandCareers in Southwest FinlandFinland – a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)Salary and trial periodThe salary for the position is determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience and the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. For a postdoctoral researcher, the salary follows levels 5-6 for teaching and research personnel (3213,55 – 3747,44 €/month). In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. In the beginning of the employment the salary will be approximately 3600 – 4000 €/month. All standard pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees.The position has a trial period of six months.How to applyPlease submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Monday 10.3.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).Applicants should submit the following documents in English:a motivation letter, including summary of research work and interests (max 1 page)a CV, including education, positions, professional experience (max 2 pages)a list of publicationsnames and contact details of three academic refereesdegree 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 informationFor further information about the position, please contact: Assistant professor Laura Antão, laura.antao(at)utu.fiWith questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaiketom(at)utu.fi

Department of Biology
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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.See our open vacancies
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