Postdoctoral Researcher in Developing digital tools for peatland restoration monitoring

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

Postdoctoral Researcher in developing digital tools for peatland restoration monitoring 

to join us in Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit at Faculty of Technology. DigiPeat project develops digital tools for peatland restoration monitoring that will support digital and green transition in restoration actions. By digitalizing processes and changes spatially and temporally, we assess and project the effects of peatland restoration on topography, vegetation, hydrology, and biogeochemistry. The project participates in documenting the first national intensive peatland restoration monitoring site with high spatio-temporal resolution. Digitalization will increase the acceptability and efficiency of peatland restoration and help to improve the peatland restoration success estimates. DigiPeat is Kvantum-institute Spearhead-project and is done together with Geography Research Unit.

Postdoctoral researcher task description

The postdoctoral researcher will (1) use high-resolution hydrological and aquatic biogeochemistry monitoring data to evaluate peatland restoration impact, (2) Improve hydrological and biogeochemical modelling in peatland restoration cases, (3) Improve restoration success estimates for hydrological function and leaching in restored peatlands, and (4) make a synthesis on how high-resolution digital tools to can improve monitor of peatland functioning.

These work tasks will primarily focus on data processing and analysis, numerical modelling and written reporting of the work, but there can be some fieldwork related to high-frequency data collection and background data collection for numerical modelling purposes. There is a possibility for a research visit hosted by our collaborators in Germany or Scotland.

Specific requirements for the postdoctoral researcher

We expect you to have a doctoral degree in environmental engineering, hydrology, physical geography, environmental science or another relevant discipline. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.

You are required to have experience in analyzing and processing high-frequency datasets e.g. in R or Python and have experience in numerical hydrological modelling. You must be capable of writing scientific articles in English. Additionally, you should have good understanding of hydrological processes and northern peatland ecosystems. As the work is conducted in an interdisciplinary project, we expect strong communication skills and interest for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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.

Salary

The duration of the fixed-term position is 4 years, beginning on 1^st of January 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 3.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Brief account of research merits linked to this position (max 2 pages)
6. Contact information of 2 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, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, Water Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (hannu.marttila(at)oulu.fi)

Associate Professor Aleksi Räsänen, Geography Research Unit (aleksi.rasanen(at)oulu.fi)