2 Postdoctoral researchers, Biomonitoring Methods (# of pos: 2)

The Department of Biological and Environmental Science  is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the following two positions: 

The Position 1 is funded by the Ministry of Environment’s research program BIOMON, project “Developing the Finnish National Forest Inventory into comprehensive biodiversity monitoring with DNA-, audio- and image-based methods (NFI-BIODIV)” led by Academy Research Fellow Nerea Abrego. The Position 2 is funded by the HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-01 project “Biodiversity Genomics Europe” under the task “Biomonitoring Interpretation and Application”, led by Academy Professor Otso Ovaskainen. Both positions start on 1st  September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. Position 1 is for 2 years and 4 months (until end of 2024), and Position 2 is for a fixed term of two years. Note that it is possible to simultaneously apply for both positions, in which case the combined position can last up to three and half years.

Qualifications we are looking for

We are seeking for a highly motivated researcher with an interest in developing and applying novel methods for analyzing biomonitoring data. The candidate is expected to have a background in at least one of the following fields: ecology, bioinformatics, statistics, or computer science. The successful candidates will join the Predictive Community Ecology Research group led by Academy Research Fellow Nerea Abrego and Academy Professor Otso Ovaskainen at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä. In addition to working in the international context of the two above-mentioned projects, the working environment involves a high amount of other international and multidisciplinary collaborations, in particular the international ERC-synergy project LIFEPLAN 2020-2026 (“Planetary Inventory of Life”) that combines a global biodiversity sampling campaign (based on DNA-, audio- and image-based methods) with the development of bioinformatics and statistical methods for big ecological data.

You are the person we are looking for position 1 (postdoctoral researcher in Finnish Biomonitoring Methods) if you have a Doctoral degree, or are about to obtain a Doctoral degree in ecology, bioinformatics, statistics, or computer science or a related field, and if you have an interest in applying your skills in the context of biodiversity research. The postdoctoral researcher will join the NFI-BIODIV project aiming to develop the Finnish National Forest Inventory into comprehensive biodiversity monitoring with DNA-, audio- and image-based methods. The sampling by DNA-, audio- and image-based methods will be conducted by a separate field team led by the National Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), whereas the role of the postdoctoral researcher to be recruited here is to develop the data analysis pipelines that will convert the samples into biomonitoring outputs such as essential biodiversity variables. The postdoctoral researcher will be supported by other group members who have already developed relevant methodology for analyzing DNA-, audio- and image-based data, and thus the main task of the postdoctoral researcher will be to combine these methods into a coherent pipeline tailored specifically for the NFI-BIODIV data.

You are the person we are looking for position 2 (postdoctoral researcher in European Biomonitoring Methods) if you have a Doctoral degree, or are about to obtain a Doctoral degree in ecology, bioinformatics, statistics, or computer science or a related field, and if you have an interest in applying your skills in the context of biodiversity research. The postdoctoral researcher will join the HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-01 project “Biodiversity Genomics Europe” with the responsibility of leading the task “Biomonitoring Interpretation and Application”. This task will analyze metabarcoding biomonitoring use cases consisting of pollinator communities, ecological restoration sites, agricultural intensification sites, high mountain biodiversity, and marine invasive species, and will undertake a synthesis to provide a toolkit for harmonisation and standardisation of DNA-based biomonitoring approaches, targeted to producing relevant biomonitoring outputs such as essential biodiversity variables.

All applicants are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills and to be able to work independently. The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of the postdoctoral researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines . A good command of English is required and a proficiency to teach in English will be considered beneficial. The PhD/MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide . 

The annual salary range for the postdoctoral researchers will be approximately 41,800 - 49,000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment. 

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by August 21st , 2022.

For further details, please contact: Professor Otso Ovaskainen, [email protected]  and Academy Research Fellow Nerea Abrego, [email protected] .

The research in the Department focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.