Image: Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 4.0.
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Institution: University of Helsinki · Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Opportunity type: Postdoctoral Position
Field: Ecological Networks · Biodiversity Conservation · Community Ecology · Global Change Ecology · Biodiversity Informatics
Contract: 24 months
Start: January 1, 2027, or as agreed
Deadline: September 30, 2026
APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecological Networks and Biodiversity Conservation to join the ANEW project – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks: consequences for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation.
The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation and is led by Academy Researcher Emma-Liina Marjakangas.
The research
ANEW investigates how novel ecological interactions emerge under global environmental change, how these changes affect ecosystem functioning, and how this knowledge can contribute to biodiversity conservation.
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the mechanisms underlying ecological network novelty and its consequences for ecosystem functioning by combining:
- Large-scale ecological datasets
- Species trait data
- Ecological network analyses
- Quantitative modelling
- Biodiversity informatics
The position also includes leading field resurveys of historical seed-dispersal networks in Finland and other European countries and contributing to international field campaigns.
What will the Postdoctoral Researcher do?
The successful candidate will:
- Lead research on ecological network novelty and ecosystem functioning.
- Analyse large ecological and biodiversity datasets.
- Integrate species traits with ecological network data.
- Develop and apply quantitative models.
- Coordinate and lead field resurveys.
- Participate in international field campaigns.
- Mentor a doctoral researcher and research assistant.
- Lead collaborative scientific publications.
- Present research at international conferences.
The position offers substantial opportunities to develop scientific leadership, project coordination and supervision experience.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have:
- A PhD, completed before the start of employment, in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, biology, environmental sciences or another relevant field.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Experience handling and analysing ecological or environmental data using R.
- Research experience in ecological networks, community ecology, functional ecology, biodiversity conservation, global change ecology or a closely related field.
- Experience conducting ecological fieldwork, including bird and/or plant identification skills.
- A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications appropriate to career stage.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Additional experience valued
The following would strengthen an application:
- Large biodiversity datasets.
- Seed-dispersal ecology.
- Plant–animal interactions.
- Species traits.
- Ecosystem functioning.
- Coordination of collaborative research projects or field campaigns.
- Ability to work independently within a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
Research environment
The successful candidate will join the ANEW research team at the University of Helsinki and collaborate with researchers at the university and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany.
The project combines expertise in:
Ecological Networks · Spatial Ecology · Conservation Science · Biodiversity Informatics
The position also provides opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation and fieldwork in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.
Why this opportunity stands out
This is a particularly interesting postdoctoral opportunity for researchers working at the intersection of ecology, quantitative analysis and biodiversity conservation.
The position is not limited to data analysis: the researcher will have a leading scientific role in shaping the project, conduct fieldwork, mentor junior researchers and lead publications.
That combination makes it especially valuable for researchers looking to strengthen an independent international research profile.
Application
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system.
The application should be submitted as one PDF in English, named lastname_firstname, containing:
- Motivation letter — maximum one page.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Publication list, including manuscripts in preparation.
- PhD certificate or documentation confirming completion before the start date.
- Names and contact details of two referees.
👉 View the official vacancy and apply
Deadline
📅 September 30, 2026 — 23:59 Helsinki time
Start date
📅 January 1, 2027, or as agreed
Official source
University of Helsinki – Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Project: ANEW – Arising Novelty in Ecological Networks
Contract: 24 months
Last checked: September 1, 2026
Related opportunities
If you are interested in ecology, biodiversity, conservation and international research careers, you may also be interested in:
🧬PhD Candidate – Gut Microbiome & Pig Welfare | IRTA, Spain
Doctoral opportunity combining microbiome research, animal welfare, multi-omics and quantitative analysis.
🥤 Junior Quality Auditor | Coca-Cola Andina | Mendoza, Argentina
Seasonal opportunity in quality assurance, food science and industrial processes for students and early-career professionals.
👉 Explore more international research, academic and professional opportunities on Paper to People