Grant funded Doctoral Researcher in Microclimates of Boreal Forests (FORCLIM)

The Faculty of Science invites applications for a

GRANT FUNDED DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN MICROCLIMATES OF BOREAL FORESTS (FORCLIM) starting in January 2025 or as agreed.

The Doctoral Researcher will receive a 4-year personal scholarship funded by the Kone foundation. This position is grant funded only; it does not establish an employment relationship with the University of Helsinki.

Background

Boreal forests are characterized by long, harsh winters and mild summers, with pronounced temperature variations across seasons. Local climate conditions within boreal forests, termed "forest climate," form a dynamic environment influenced by temperature, moisture, and seasonal changes in radiation. This climate plays a critical role in key biogeophysical feedback like carbon cycling and albedo, contributing significantly to global climate warming. Understanding forest climates is therefore essential to advancing our knowledge of the boreal environment, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable futures.

The FORCLIM project, which spans climate science, forestry, ecology, and geography, seeks to uncover the dynamics of boreal forest climates using a cross-disciplinary approach. The project aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of Finland's forest climates, focusing on how local environmental factors interact with climate dynamics across macroclimatic gradients. The FORCLIM will develop precise models of forest climates and explore their connections to forest features and the local environment. This research is crucial for understanding boreal ecosystem resilience and will support efforts to preserve boreal forests.

The Doctoral Researcher will join the BioGeoClimate Modelling Lab and be based in the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki. Collaboration with the Weather and Climate Change Impacts Research Unit in Finnish Meteorological Institute is central to this position. The researcher will be grant funded for 48 months (2025-2028) and will engage in climate and environmental data processing, spatio-temporal data analysis and multivariate modeling.

We are looking for:

• A talented and motivated doctoral researcher (PhD student) who has recently completed an MSc in Meteorology, Physical Geography, Geoinformatics, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Forest Sciences, Data Science, Ecology, or related fields.
• Experience in data management and processing.
• Basic understanding of multivariate modeling, machine learning, mechanistic modeling, and microclimate theory.
• Proficiency with GIS data and techniques.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see more information on how to apply to doctoral programmes. The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/application-enclosures-doctoral-admissions.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from all genders, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.

We offer:

• The successful applicant will receive a scholarship funded by the Kone foundation for 4 years. The personal grant amount is 32 000€ per year.
• A multidisciplinary research environment at the University of Helsinki Kumpula Campus, which also hosts the Finnish Meteorological Institute headquarters.
• Desk space and adequate computing resources.

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply?

Please submit your application, which includes the following PDF-documents in English:

• A cover letter presenting your motivation and qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae with relevant publications
• Master's degree examination certificate including thesis topic and its grade
• Names and contact details of two referees who are willing to provide reference letters upon request
  
   

Detailed information on the CV and list of publications can be obtained online: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-social-sciences/faculty/work-faculty-social-sciences/instructions-applying-teacher-and-researcher-positions



External applicants, please submit your application to the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

The deadline for applications is 30th November 2024.



More information

For project- and position-related questions, please contact

• Prof. Miska Luoto, miska.luoto(at)helsinki.fi or
• Prof. Juha Aalto, juha.aalto(at)fmi.fi.
  
   

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi.