PhD student at the Department of Forest Ecology of the University of Helsink

Submitted by stefan_reis on Wed, 02/12/2009 - 09:20.

Doctoral Student position

We are looking for a PhD student at the Department of Forest Ecology of the University of Helsinki. The student will be working on studying carbon and nitrogen cycle between boreal forest soil and trees using stable isotope techniques and molecular biological methods. The project is part of an Academy of Finland funded 5-year project to understand how easily available carbon affects the decomposition of old soil organic matter. The project brings together research team with expertise in forest ecology, microbiology and soil processes. The project will be carried out in the Finnish Centre of excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change. Processes underlying greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O and Biogenic volatile organic compounds) and atmospheric aerosol formation are the main focus of the centre.

For more information of the research site and facilities can be found on

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic student with a strong interest in ecosystem functioning and ability to analytical thinking and writing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals, which are the prerequisite for a PhD degree in Finland. A successful candidate should also have good calculation and data management skills and good command in English. Experience in isotope techniques or DNA-techniques and in analysing large data sets would be an advantage, because the work is strongly based on pulse labelling with 13C isotope and measurements of CO2 fluxes with automated chamber systems.

The full time position will start in early 2010 and last until 31.12.2011 with possible continuation if funding for the salary will be granted for the last two years of the project. The student will be based at the Department of Forest Ecology in Helsinki and some field work in Hyytiälä Forestry Field station in central Finland will also be included in the project.

A master's degree in a relevant discipline is required. This position is open to both Finnish and foreign applicants. Applicants should submit a brief statement of their desire and capability to undertake this research project, a current curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and contact details for two referees.

The salary will be based on levels 1-4 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. In the beginning, the salary is approximately 2000 euro per month.

More information on the position can be obtained from academy research fellow Jukka Pumpanen (jukka.pumpanen@helsinki.fi) tel:+358 9 191 58127 and post doctoral researcher Jussi Heinonsalo (jussi.heinonsalo@helsinki.fi) tel:+358 9 191 59318.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 17 December 2009 at 15.45 local Helsinki time. Two copies of the applications can be submitted to following address: Registry of the University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 33 (Yliopistonkatu 4), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland or one copy with attachments by email to: hy-kirjaamo@helsinki.fi.