Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027: Research on Dead Wood Dynamics and Forest Biodiversity
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is offering an excellent fully funded doctoral researcher opportunity for international applicants interested in forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental science, and sustainable forest management.
The position is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI). The selected doctoral researcher will join the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, at the Joensuu campus in Finland.
This four-year PhD project investigates dead wood dynamics in Fennoscandian boreal forests, focusing on how dead wood develops through different decomposition stages, supports biodiversity, and contributes to long-term carbon storage. The application deadline is 10 August 2026.
PhD Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Eastern Finland |
| Country | Finland |
| Campus | Joensuu Campus |
| Doctoral Programme | MSCA COFUND DP-FOBI |
| Research Area | Forest Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Degree | Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Position Type | Full-time Temporary Employment |
| Expected Start Date | By 1 April 2027 |
| Deadline | 10 August 2026 |
Research Topic: Understanding Dead Wood Dynamics in Boreal Forests
Dead wood is one of the most important ecological structures in boreal forests. Fallen trees and standing dead trees provide essential habitats for many specialized species, especially saproxylic organisms that depend on decaying wood.
At the same time, dead wood plays an important role in forest carbon cycling. As wood decomposes, carbon stored in trees is gradually released back into ecosystems and the atmosphere.
Despite its importance, scientists still have limited understanding of how dead wood changes over time across large forest landscapes.
This doctoral research aims to improve knowledge by studying:
- How dead wood progresses through different decay stages
- How tree characteristics influence decomposition rates
- How environmental conditions affect dead wood development
- How forest management and climate change influence biodiversity and carbon retention
Research Methodology and Data Sources
The PhD researcher will use large-scale ecological datasets, including National Forest Inventory data from Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
The project will analyze long-term forest observations to understand patterns across Fennoscandian boreal forests.
The research will investigate relationships between:
- Tree species and decomposition processes
- Forest conditions and dead wood availability
- Environmental factors and habitat development
- Forest management practices and biodiversity outcomes
Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may also focus more specifically on old-growth forests, where dead wood structures are highly diverse in physical and chemical characteristics.
Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out
This doctoral position provides an opportunity to work on internationally important environmental research while receiving strong financial and academic support.
The selected researcher will benefit from:
International Research Environment
The doctoral candidate will become part of:
- The DP-FOBI research community
- The Forest Disturbance Ecology research group
- An interdisciplinary network of researchers and professionals
Advanced Doctoral Training
Researchers will have access to:
- Scientific workshops
- Summer schools
- Research visits
- International secondments
- Career development activities
Collaboration Opportunities
The programme encourages cooperation with:
- Academic researchers
- Industry partners
- Environmental organizations
- Societal stakeholders
This helps ensure that research findings contribute to real-world forest management and conservation solutions.
Salary and Funding Benefits
The position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND programme.
The employment contract covers four years.
The salary package includes:
- Living allowance: EUR 3,200 per month
- Mobility allowance: EUR 87 per month
- Family allowance: EUR 300 per month for eligible researchers
- Paid annual leave
- Additional summer holiday bonus
Additional financial support includes:
- Conference travel allowance: EUR 1,500 per year
- Secondment and research visit funding: EUR 10,500 total
- Research expenses: EUR 6,000 total
- Special needs support when applicable
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Background
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in:
- Forest ecology
- Ecology
- Environmental science
- A closely related discipline
Applicants must not have completed a doctoral degree at the application deadline.
MSCA Mobility Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule.
Candidates must have spent:
- Less than 12 months in Finland during the previous three years before the application deadline.
Preferred Skills and Research Experience
Applicants are expected to have:
- Strong knowledge of forest ecosystem processes
- Understanding of dead wood ecology and decomposition
- Experience with quantitative ecological research
- Statistical modelling skills
- Experience using R or similar programming environments
Additional advantages include:
- Experience with Bayesian statistical approaches
- Knowledge of hierarchical modelling
- Ability to analyse large spatial datasets
Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher
The selected candidate will:
- Conduct original doctoral research
- Develop and complete a PhD dissertation
- Complete required doctoral studies
- Participate in DP-FOBI training activities
- Prepare research and career development plans
- Attend workshops and scientific events
- Participate in research collaborations
- Publish and communicate research findings
The researcher must enroll in the University of Eastern Finland Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology. Finland is internationally recognized for:
- High-quality education
- Strong research infrastructure
- Environmental innovation
- Safe living conditions
- Excellent public services
International researchers benefit from access to healthcare, affordable childcare services, and a supportive academic environment. The University of Eastern Finland provides a multicultural research community where doctoral researchers can develop both academic and professional skills.
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes five stages:
1. Eligibility and Ethics Review
Applications are checked for academic requirements and ethical compliance.
2. External Academic Evaluation
Independent experts assess applications based on academic quality, research potential, and suitability.
3. Interviews
The strongest candidates are invited for interviews.
4. Final Selection Decision
The final candidate is selected based on evaluation results.
5. Appointment
The successful applicant receives an employment offer and begins doctoral research.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in English through the APPLY NOW. Application Deadline 10 August 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3) Required Documents, Applicants must provide:
- Certified copy of Master’s degree diploma
- Academic transcript of records
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Copy of Master’s thesis
- Two-page English summary of Master’s thesis
- Ethics Self-Assessment form
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English language proficiency if required
Applicants must use the official application templates. Applications that do not follow the required format may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this PhD position in Finland fully funded?
Yes. The doctoral researcher position includes a competitive MSCA COFUND salary package, research funding, travel support, and employment benefits.
2. Who is eligible to apply for this PhD scholarship?
Applicants with a Master’s degree in forest ecology, ecology, environmental science, or related fields are eligible.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes. The position welcomes international applicants who meet academic and MSCA mobility requirements.
4. What is the research topic of this PhD?
The research focuses on dead wood dynamics in Fennoscandian boreal forests, including decomposition processes, biodiversity habitats, and carbon retention.
5. Is programming experience required?
Experience with statistical analysis and programming tools such as R is expected. Knowledge of advanced modelling methods is an advantage.
6. Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at the University of Eastern Finland’s Joensuu campus.
7. What degree will the researcher receive?
The successful candidate will earn a doctoral degree from the University of Eastern Finland.
8. What documents are needed for application?
Applicants need academic certificates, transcripts, CV, thesis copy, thesis summary, motivation letter, ethics form, and language documentation where required.
9. Do applicants need Finnish language skills?
The research environment is international. Applicants only need to meet the doctoral programme’s language requirements.
10. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 August 2026.
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