PhD Funded Position in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change at University of Helsinki, Finland

The University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position in butterfly ecology and climate change. The successful candidate will investigate how butterflies across Europe are responding to a changing climate, combining field ecology, natural history collections, biodiversity monitoring, image analysis, climate datasets, and ecological modelling.

The position is based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland, within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The doctoral researcher will join the THERMOTRAIT – Tracing the impacts of climate change across biological scales project, funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Dr Emilie Ellis.

This PhD opportunity will suit candidates interested in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation, biodiversity, climate change, zoology, biogeography, or quantitative ecology. The project is particularly attractive for researchers who want to develop experience across fieldwork, museum science, large biodiversity datasets, and statistical modelling.

PhD Research Project: Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change

Climate change is altering biodiversity worldwide, but scientists are still working to understand how changes in individual organisms ultimately influence population persistence, community composition, and regional vulnerability.

This doctoral project will investigate historical and contemporary changes in butterfly traits, with particular attention to body size and wing pigmentation. By combining museum specimens with field collections and long-term biodiversity information, the research will examine whether climate-related changes help butterfly species cope with warming or instead indicate increasing vulnerability.

The project provides an opportunity to work across several scales of ecological research. The successful candidate will develop skills in international fieldwork, natural history collections, specimen digitisation, ecological data collection, automated image analysis, large biodiversity datasets, statistical modelling in R, open science, and collaborative research.

A distinctive feature of this PhD is its European fieldwork component. Research activities will span a broad climatic gradient, from mountain environments in Catalonia to boreal landscapes close to the Arctic Circle in Finland. The doctoral researcher is also expected to undertake a four-month research visit to the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid, alongside shorter visits to collaborating museums and research institutions.

Because the project combines field, museum, and analytical work, applicants should be comfortable with periods of international travel.

The successful candidate will complete an article-based PhD thesis using research generated through the project and will undertake the 30 ECTS of doctoral studies required for a PhD degree in Finland.

Who Can Apply for This PhD Position?

The University of Helsinki is seeking a curious, motivated, and thoughtful researcher with a strong interest in biodiversity, climate change, and ecological data.

Applicants should normally have a relevant MSc or equivalent qualification in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science, biogeography, or another related field. A BSc (Hons) may also be considered when it provides eligibility for doctoral study in the country where the degree was awarded.

Research experience is also expected. This may come from a master’s thesis, dissertation, independent research project, research assistantship, or another substantial research activity. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in developing as independent researchers and should have a foundation in quantitative analysis.

Strong English communication skills are required because the project involves international collaboration. Applicants should also be able to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team. The position requires a willingness to participate in international fieldwork, museum research, and research visits.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Previous experience with butterflies or other insects would be an advantage, particularly experience with species identification, field surveys, or biodiversity monitoring. Knowledge of R programming and ecological, environmental, spatial, or climate data analysis would also be beneficial. Experience with ecological modelling, including mixed models, time-series analysis, occupancy models, or related methods, can strengthen an application.

Experience with museum or natural history collections, specimen digitisation, photography, image analysis, large biodiversity datasets, scientific publications, or reproducible analytical workflows is also considered advantageous. Importantly, applicants are not expected to have every listed skill. The project is designed as doctoral training, and candidates will have the opportunity to learn, develop new methods, and grow as researchers. Curiosity, enthusiasm, care, and a collaborative approach are emphasized as important qualities.

A valid driving licence and willingness to drive during fieldwork will normally be required because some monitoring activities will take place in rural or semi-rural areas. However, the announcement states that this should not by itself discourage candidates from applying, and applicants with questions about the requirement are encouraged to contact Dr Ellis.

Doctoral Admission Requirements

The selected candidate must either already have the right to pursue doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Sustainability in Society at the University of Helsinki or obtain that right within the six-month probationary period. If the candidate does not already have doctoral study rights, a separate application must be made. Formal eligibility is determined by the University of Helsinki’s Admission Services. Applicants must also have completed their qualifying degree before employment begins.

Why Choose This University of Helsinki PhD?

This doctoral position offers an unusually broad research experience. Rather than focusing on a single research method, the project connects individual butterfly traits, population persistence, community change, and regional vulnerability. The researcher will have an opportunity to contribute to new datasets and methods while investigating a major question in global change ecology: when organisms respond to warming, do those changes help populations survive, or do they reveal increasing vulnerability?

The successful candidate will join THERMOTRAIT at the beginning of a newly funded research programme. Although the project has an established scientific framework, there is room for the doctoral researcher to contribute ideas and help shape the empirical and analytical direction of the PhD. The international research network includes institutions and organisations in Finland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These include the University of Helsinki and LUOMUS in Finland; the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers, and University of Barcelona in Spain; and the Natural History Museum London, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Butterfly Conservation, University of Sheffield, and Northumbria University in the UK.

At the University of Helsinki, the researcher will become part of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the research community around the Viikki Campus, with opportunities to interact with researchers working in global change biology, population and evolutionary ecology, insect ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and quantitative ecology.

Salary, Funding and Employment Conditions

The University of Helsinki PhD position is fully funded from the agreed starting date until 31 August 2030. The expected starting date is 11 January 2027, or another date agreed with the university. The gross monthly salary is based on levels 2–4 of the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary is approximately EUR 2,600 per month, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and stage of doctoral studies, and includes a personal performance component.

Approximately 5% of working time is expected to be dedicated to teaching and undergraduate student supervision. The doctoral researcher is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The university provides occupational healthcare, flexible working arrangements, and support for international employees relocating to Finland.

University of Helsinki PhD Application Deadline

The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time. Interviews are scheduled to take place online at the end of October 2026. Candidates should allow enough time to prepare the required documents, combine them into one PDF, and submit the application through the university’s electronic recruitment system.

Detail	Information
Position	Doctoral Researcher / PhD Student
Research area	Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change
University	University of Helsinki
Faculty	Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Department	Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology
Campus	Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
Project	THERMOTRAIT
Project focus	Butterfly responses to climate change across Europe
Expected start date	11 January 2027, or as agreed
Funding period	Until 31 August 2030
Starting salary	Approximately EUR 2,600 gross/month
Teaching	5% of working time
Application deadline	30 September 2026
Deadline time	23:59 Helsinki time
Interview timing	End of October 2026
Application language	English
Application format	Single PDF
Position ID	5129

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit their documents in English as a single PDF, named using the format lastname_firstname.

The application should contain:

• Motivation letter: Maximum one page explaining your research interests, motivation, and suitability for the position.
• Curriculum vitae: Maximum two pages.
• Publication list: Include publications and manuscripts in preparation, where applicable.
• Two referees: Provide their names and full contact details.
• Thesis or equivalent research work: Submit the thesis from the qualifying degree, or another substantial academic/research writing sample if the degree did not include a thesis.
• Academic transcripts: Include transcripts for qualifying degrees, together with an explanation of the grading system and weighted GPA where applicable.
• Degree certificate or diploma: If the qualifying degree has not yet been completed, explain the remaining studies and expected completion date.
• Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW

For position-specific questions, applicants can contact Dr Emilie Ellis at emilie.ellis@helsinki.fi. Questions about the recruitment system can be directed to the University’s HR Specialists at recruitment@helsinki.fi.

The University of Helsinki also states that it values a diverse and equitable study and work culture and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a fully funded PhD position in Finland?

Yes. The doctoral researcher position is fully funded from the agreed starting date until 31 August 2030.

What is the salary for the University of Helsinki PhD position?

The starting gross salary is approximately EUR 2,600 per month, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and stage of doctoral studies. The position uses levels 2–4 of the Finnish university salary system and includes a personal performance component.

When does the PhD position start?

The expected starting date is 11 January 2027, although another starting date may be agreed.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time.

What academic background is required?

Applicants should normally hold an MSc or equivalent qualification in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science, biogeography, or another relevant discipline. A BSc (Hons) may also qualify if it permits doctoral admission in the country where it was awarded.

Do I need previous butterfly research experience?

No. Butterfly or insect experience is listed as an advantage rather than an essential requirement. Experience with species identification, field surveys, biodiversity monitoring, R, ecological modelling, museum collections, image analysis, or biodiversity datasets can strengthen an application.

Is R experience required?

The position asks for a foundation in quantitative analysis and a willingness to develop strong skills in R, statistical modelling, and reproducible research. Previous R experience is considered advantageous.

Does the PhD involve international travel?

Yes. Fieldwork will cover environments ranging from Catalonia to Finland’s boreal regions. The project also includes a planned four-month research visit to the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid and shorter visits to collaborating institutions and museums.

Do applicants need a driving licence?

A valid driving licence and willingness to drive during fieldwork will normally be required because research sites can be rural or semi-rural. However, the university encourages candidates with concerns about this requirement to contact Dr Ellis rather than automatically ruling themselves out.

What documents are required?

Applicants need a one-page motivation letter, a two-page CV, publication information where applicable, details for two referees, a thesis or equivalent research work, academic transcripts, and a relevant degree certificate or information about remaining studies if the degree is not yet complete.