Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Food Web Ecology

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Academy Research Fellow Dr. Susanne Kortsch are seeking a Postdoctoral researcher. The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland project entitled '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.

 

Postdoctoral researcher in experimental and molecular food web ecology

 

The postdoctoral project will contribute to developing a framework for predicting the rewiring of coastal food webs exposed to heatwaves. This will be achieved through a combination of approaches: mesocosm experiments, DNA sequencing, and food web modeling.

Mesocosm experiments are valuable because they can mimic the complexity of natural ecosystems, enabling us to unravel how these complex systems might respond to future environmental conditions. Metabarcoding, on the other hand, offers high taxonomic resolution in revealing who feeds on whom (both prokaryote and eukaryote) within a community. The modeling component of the project will integrate the metabarcoding outputs from the experiments into a bioenergetic food web model to quantify ecosystem functioning and stability.

Specifically, we aim to:

1. Quantify shifts in species dietary preferences under climate warming and resource availability scenarios.
2. Analyze trophic rewiring in mesocosm food webs under heatwave scenarios.
3. Assess the implications of these changes for coastal ecosystem functioning and stability.

This novel methodological framework, which combines aquatic mesocosm experiments with metabarcoding and food web modeling, will provide a mechanistic understanding of how coastal ecosystems respond to rapidly intensifying heatwaves. The insights gained from this research are critical for managing and safeguarding our coastal marine ecosystems.

The focus of the specifics of the research questions and the experimental setup will be developed jointly with the candidate, largely driven by the candidate's research profile and interest.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A completed Ph.D. in Molecular Ecology, Environmental Microbiology, Experimental Community Ecology, Food Web Ecology, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular community or environmental ecology (e.g., DNA/eDNA metabarcoding), experimental ecology, or preferably both
• Strong conceptual, analytical, and quantitative skills; Proficiency in programming (e.g., R or other relevant software) and statistical analysis
• Experience with interdisciplinary research (e.g., experimental and molecular ecology or molecular ecology and modeling) is advantageous, as is an aptitude for acquiring new skills
• Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written
• Proven ability to conceive, execute, and complete complex research projects
• A creative mind-set, with the ability to work effectively and both independently and as part of a team

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 from 01.12.2024 (or as mutually agreed)
• Start salary range (3625-4060 euros) depending on experience level and personal performance
• An exciting opportunity to conduct novel and impactful research in a supportive and stimulating environment
• Exceptional scope for collaboration, with planned research visits to leading international research groups in the field
• 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:

1. Provide a brief description of your research interests and how they align with the objectives of this project.
2. Describe the background and expertise that make you a strong candidate for this position.
3. 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, [email protected]
• Recruitment system: HR Specialist Harri Hamara, [email protected] or HR
• 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 15th October 2024 at 23:59 EEST.