PhD Funded Position in Ecological Networks and Biodiversity Conservation at University of Helsinki, Finland 

The University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position in Ecological Networks and Biodiversity Conservation. The position is based at the University’s Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland, and offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of community ecology, biodiversity science, spatial ecology, and conservation biology.

The doctoral researcher will join ANEW – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks: consequences for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation, a research project funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation. The project is supervised by Academy Researcher Emma-Liina Marjakangas, with collaboration from Professor Heini Kujala at the University of Helsinki and Professor Matthias Schleuning at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany. The position is expected to begin on 15 October 2026, or as agreed.

About the PhD Research Project

Understanding how ecosystems respond to global environmental change is a major challenge in modern ecology. This doctoral project focuses on a particularly important part of that challenge: how interactions between plants and seed-dispersing animals change under global change.

The research will examine how ecological interactions are reorganized across landscapes, how these changes affect ecosystem functioning, and how ecological network information can be incorporated into biodiversity conservation strategies.

The successful candidate will focus on seed dispersal networks across Europe. The research will combine large-scale ecological datasets with species trait information and quantitative analyses. The goal is to understand how ecological network novelty varies across landscapes, identify the environmental factors driving these patterns, and investigate how the results can improve conservation prioritization.

The project also includes fieldwork involving resurveys of historical seed dispersal networks in Finland and other European countries. This combination of large biodiversity datasets, field research, spatial analysis, and international collaboration makes the position particularly suitable for candidates seeking broad quantitative and conservation research experience.

The doctoral researcher will complete an article-based PhD thesis based on empirical material generated through the project, together with the 30 ECTS of doctoral studies required for a PhD degree in Finland.

Research Areas and Skills You Will Develop

This University of Helsinki PhD position offers training across several connected areas of ecological research. The researcher will have the opportunity to work with ecological networks, spatial ecology, biodiversity conservation, global change ecology, biodiversity informatics, and quantitative ecological analysis.

Large-scale ecological and species-trait datasets will form an important part of the research. Candidates will also gain experience working with spatial datasets and applying quantitative methods to questions concerning biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

The international structure of the project provides additional opportunities to collaborate with researchers in Finland and Germany, participate in conferences, undertake fieldwork across Europe, and complete a research visit in Germany during the doctoral studies.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The University of Helsinki is seeking a highly motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in ecology, quantitative analysis, biodiversity conservation, and global environmental change.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree, completed before employment begins, in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences, or another relevant discipline.

Candidates should also have strong experience handling and analysing ecological or environmental data. Experience with R is required, as is experience working with spatial datasets using R, GIS programmes, or equivalent tools.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required. Applicants should also be able to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team and should demonstrate strong motivation to pursue and complete a doctoral degree.

Desirable Qualifications

The following experience would strengthen an application:

• Knowledge of global change ecology
• Knowledge of conservation biology
• Knowledge of functional ecology
• Bird identification skills
• Plant identification skills
• Experience writing or contributing to scientific publications

Applicants do not need to have every desirable qualification. The core requirements focus on relevant academic training, ecological data analysis, R, spatial data experience, communication skills, and motivation for doctoral research.

Doctoral Admission Requirement

The selected candidate must either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree 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 hold doctoral study rights at the University of Helsinki, the right must be applied for separately. Applicants should also review the university’s doctoral eligibility and educational-document requirements before submitting an application.

Why Join the ANEW Research Project?

This PhD position provides an opportunity to contribute to research at the interface of community ecology, biodiversity science, and conservation. The researcher will investigate how ecological interactions respond to global environmental change while contributing to new approaches for conserving ecosystem functioning in a rapidly changing world.

The doctoral researcher will join the ANEW team alongside the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, and a research assistant. As the first doctoral researcher recruited to the project, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to the project’s scientific development from an early stage.

The research environment is international and collaborative. The doctoral researcher will work with researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany. The position also includes opportunities to attend international conferences, conduct fieldwork in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, and complete a research visit in Germany.

Research Environment at the University of Helsinki

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences provides an internationally oriented research environment with expertise in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and environmental sciences.

The Viikki Campus offers research infrastructure and access to a broad scientific community. Researchers at the university can also access training opportunities, language courses, and career development services. The position therefore combines doctoral research with opportunities to develop broader academic and professional skills in an international university environment.

Salary and Funding

The position is funded for a maximum of 47 months, or approximately four years. The gross monthly salary is based on levels 2–4 of the Finnish university salary system. The starting salary is approximately €2,600 per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and stage of doctoral studies. The salary also includes a personal performance component.

Approximately 5% of working time will be devoted 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, sports facilities, staff training opportunities, and support for international employees relocating to Finland.

Key Details of the PhD Position

Detail	Information
Position	Doctoral Researcher / PhD Student
Research field	Ecological Networks and Biodiversity Conservation
University	University of Helsinki
Faculty	Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Campus	Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
Project	ANEW – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks
Research focus	Seed dispersal networks, global change and biodiversity conservation
Supervisor	Emma-Liina Marjakangas
Co-supervisors / collaborators	Heini Kujala and Matthias Schleuning
Expected start date	15 October 2026, or as agreed
Funding duration	Maximum 47 months
Starting salary	Approximately €2,600 gross/month
Teaching	5% of working time
Location	Helsinki, Finland
Application language	English
Application format	Single PDF
Application deadline	31 August 2026
Deadline time	23:59 Helsinki time

How to Apply:

The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time. Applicants should submit their application through the system using the Apply Now button.

Because the deadline is approaching, prospective applicants should prepare their documents well in advance and ensure that the Master’s degree requirements are satisfied before employment begins.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants must submit their application documents in English as a single PDF named lastname_firstname.

The application should include:

1. Motivation letter – maximum one page explaining your research interests, motivation, and suitability for the position.
2. Curriculum vitae – including a list of publications and manuscripts in preparation.
3. Two referees – names and full contact details.
4. Master’s thesis – a copy of the thesis. If it has not yet been completed, submit the latest version and explain its current status.
5. Transcript of records – including completed Master’s-level courses or equivalent, an explanation of the grading system, and the weighted grade average/GPA.
6. Master’s diploma – if the degree has not yet been completed, describe the remaining studies and expected graduation timeline.

Apply Now

Applicants must have completed their Master’s degree before the employment start date. For position-specific questions, contact Emma-Liina Marjakangas at emma.marjakangas@bio.au.dk. For technical assistance with the recruitment system, contact the University of Helsinki HR Specialists at recruitment@helsinki.fi.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from different gender, linguistic, cultural, and minority backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Helsinki PhD position about?

The doctoral project investigates ecological networks and biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on how plant–seed disperser interactions change under global environmental change.

What are the main research methods?

The project combines large ecological datasets, species trait data, quantitative analysis, spatial datasets, fieldwork, and ecological network research. The researcher will study seed dispersal networks across Europe.

Is this a funded PhD position?

Yes. The position is funded for a maximum of 47 months, approximately four years. The starting gross monthly salary is approximately €2,600, depending on qualifications and doctoral-study stage.

When does the position start?

The expected starting date is 15 October 2026, or another date as agreed.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time.

Is R experience required?

Yes. Experience with data handling and analysis in R is among the required qualifications.

Is GIS experience required?

Applicants need experience working with spatial datasets using R, GIS programmes, or an equivalent approach.

What Master’s degree is required?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences, or another relevant field. The degree must be completed before employment begins.

Does the position involve international research?

Yes. The project includes collaboration with researchers in Finland and Germany, international conferences, fieldwork in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, and a research visit in Germany during the doctoral studies.

What documents should applicants submit?

Applicants should provide a one-page motivation letter, CV and publication list, details for two referees, a Master’s thesis or current version, academic transcripts with grading information and GPA, and a Master’s diploma or information about remaining studies.

Can I apply if my Master’s degree is not finished yet?

You may apply if the degree will be completed before employment begins. If the thesis or degree is still in progress, the application should explain its current status and expected completion timeline.