3-year Post-Doctoral Researcher Position in Experimental and Molecular Food Web Ecology
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Academy Research Fellow Dr. Susanne Kortsch are inviting applications for a
3-year postdoctoral researcher position in experimental and molecular food web ecology
The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland fellowship project “Heatwave-driven rewiring of coastal food webs”. The overarching aim of this project is to predict how coastal ecosystems respond to marine heatwaves, a common feature of climate change and one of the most pervasive threats to marine biodiversity globally.
Specifically, the project aims to:
Quantify shifts in species dietary preferences under climate warming and resource availability scenarios.
Analyze trophic rewiring in mesocosm food webs under heatwave scenarios.
Assess the implications of these changes for coastal ecosystem functioning and stability.
This will be achieved through a combination of mesocosm experiments, DNA sequencing, and food web modeling. Combining these approaches will offer a mechanistic understanding of how coastal ecosystems respond to rapidly intensifying heatwaves, a critical insight for effectively managing and safeguarding our coastal marine environments.
YOUR PROFILE
We are interested in two alternative research profiles, or preferably a combination of both:
Profile 1: A completed Ph.D. in in molecular community or environmental ecology (e.g., DNA/eDNA metabarcoding) with a strong interest in applying molecular techniques to community and food web ecology (trophic ecology) across multiple trophic levels (e.g., plankton, benthos, and fish).
Profile 2: A completed Ph.D. in experimental community ecology (e.g., multitrophic experiments or feeding selectivity experiments) with a strong interest in uncovering food web structure and functioning, along with a keen interest in learning and applying new techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding.
OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Strong conceptual, analytical, and quantitative skills
Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written
Ability to lead internationally recognized scientific articles
Documented experience with interdisciplinary research (e.g., experimental and molecular ecology, or molecular ecology and modeling) is an advantage
Proven ability to conceive, execute, and complete complex research projects
A creative mind-set, with the ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
Applicants must have completed their PhD degree or submitted their thesis for evaluation before the application deadline.
WHAT WE OFFER
A fully funded 3-year postdoctoral position at the University of Helsinki at Tvärminne Zoological Station; (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/tvarminne-zoological-station) with a start date as soon as possible but no later than May 2025
Start salary range (3550–4060 euros) depending on experience level and personal performance
An exciting opportunity to conduct novel and impactful research in a supportive, stimulating and interdisciplinary environment within the Centre for Coastal Ecosystem and Climate Change Research (coastclim.org). CoastClim is a strategic partnership between the University of Helsinki and Stockholm University, strengthening collaborative research on marine ecosystems and climate change.
Exceptional scope for collaboration, with planned research visits to leading international research groups in the field (e.g., at Stockholm University in Sweden, and the University of Exeter in the UK)
Plenty of opportunities to attend international conferences to build your scientific network
Access to state-of-the-art resources and excellent support to further learning and professional development
The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers).
HOW TO APPLY
Motivation Letter (max 2 pages). Outline your research interests and explain why you are interested in this position, and highlight your background and experiences relevant to the project:
Provide a brief description of your research interests and how they align with the objectives of this project.
Describe the background and expertise that make you a strong candidate for this position.
Include examples of previous work that demonstrate your analytical and quantitative skills, particularly in relation to the methods and approaches outlined in the project description.
Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
Publication list
Contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request
External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.
Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee Login button.
We will process applications already during the application period and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Further information
About the position: Dr. Susanne Kortsch, susanne.kortsch@helsinki.fi
Recruitment system: HR Specialist Harri Hamara, harri.hamara@helsinki.fi or HR
Tvärminne Zoological Station: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/tvarminne-zoological-station
CoastClim: https://www.coastclim.org/
Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)
Why choose University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki
Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences
The closing date for applications is 31st January 2025 at 23:59 EEST.
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