Doctoral Researcher, Ecology and Genetics (Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change)

Prof. Anu Eskelinen's Global Change and Biotic Interactions Ecology group at the University of Oulu recruits a doctoral researcher for the Research Council of Finland project Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change, which investigates how spatial context, dispersal in space and time, biotic interactions (competition, herbivory) and intraspecific trait change drive heterogeneous responses of plant biodiversity to global change factors such as climate warming and nutrient enrichment.

Possible thesis questions include temporal dispersal via soil seed banks as a diversity-maintaining mechanism under multiple global changes, intraspecific trait change as a modifier of climatic effects, and the relative and interactive roles of connectivity, habitat size, dispersal and herbivory. The doctoral researcher uses existing data and collects new data from two long-term experimental systems, publishes under the supervisor's guidance, teaches on BSc/MSc courses and co-supervises master's students and interns.

The fixed-term three-year position starts on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible (negotiable), with a typical starting gross salary of about €2,600–3,000 per month and a six-month trial period. The last application date is 15 November 2026.

MSc in plant community ecology or an equivalent field; strong motivation for ecological research and doctoral studies; experience in plant biodiversity, experimental, global change or trait-based plant ecology research; excellent statistical skills in R; fieldwork experience and ability to travel; good grassland plant identification skills.