Doctoral Researcher in measuring and modeling the net ecosystem carbon balance of northern peatlands. Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in measuring and modeling the net ecosystem carbon balance of northern peatlands

to join us in the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology in close collaboration with the Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Denmark.

This project aims to gather year-round data and model carbon fluxes in northern peatland ecosystems. This includes vertical fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) between the ecosystem and the atmoshpere, as well as lateral transport in streams. Additionally, the project will examine interactions with large herbivores, including grazing impacts on the net carbon budget. The project will have a special focus on winter processes as these are the least well understood and quantified periods.

The project will incorporate a strong modeling component, aiming to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the full net ecosystem carbon balance and projecting future changes under climate warming and emission/management scenarios. The project will use well-established research sites along a climatic gradient, spanning from boreal Finland (Oulanka) to both low and mid- to high Arctic sites in Greenland. The project is part of a Kvantum-institute Spearhead-project.

About the job

The doctoral researcher will (1) maintain different types of flux measurements at our Oulanka peatland site with a dedicated focus on the winter period, (2) develop, implement, and validate ecosystem model parameterisations based on existing modeling tools to work with the net ecosystem carbon balance, (3) conduct comparative multi-site and multi-year analyses using such modeling framework including data from our other sites in Greenland. The operational work tasks will primarily focus on quality assurance of automatic flux chamber acquisition in the field combined with the ecosystem modeling, and written reporting of the work. There is an in-build requirement for field work stays in Oulanka and also research visits to Aarhus University (Roskilde campus) as well as the Greenlandic sites.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being.  Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• To have a master’s degree in physical geography, biology, environmental science or another relevant discipline.
• To have experience in analyzing and processing data and handling big datasets e.g., in R or Python.
• To be capable of writing scientific articles in English.
• To have good understanding of northern peatland ecosystems and their greenhouse gas dynamics. Knowledge about wintertime processes is a plus.
• To have field experience/exposure in the Arctic.
• To be familiar with one or more methods measuring in-situ CO2 and CH4 fluxes.
• To have strong communication skills and interest for interdisciplinary collaboration because work is conducted in an interdisciplinary project.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 1.1.2025.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 19.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Professor Torben R. Christensen, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, torben.christensen@oulu.fi
Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, hannu.marttila@oulu.fi