The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university that ranks among the best in the world and the top 1 % of the European universities. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The Department of Geosciences and Geography at the Faculty of Science is the leading research and education unit in its field in Finland by producing internationally recognized research. The Faculty of Science invites applications for

DOCTORAL STUDENT POSITION

for a full-time 4-year position in project “Climate shocks: exploring abrupt events in the palaeoclimate record”. In this multidisciplinary project the main objective is to explore the geological record of abrupt climate changes – one of the outstanding wildcards in the ongoing climate crisis – and study major remaining unknowns such as the seasonal climate signals and their human impacts. (Project description on the Academy of Finland website: https://akareport.aka.fi/ibi_apps/WFServlet?IBIF_ex=x_hakkuvaus2&CLICKED...) A six-month trial period will be applied.

The PhD candidate will work on analysis of palaeontological climate proxy data within the project. An important task of the candidate will be to synthesize existing data from online databases and the preparation of statistical models for reconstruction of climatic and ecological variables.

The detailed tasks and aims of the work can be adjusted according to the skills and interests of the PhD candidate.

A Master’s degree in geology, geography, environmental science or a related field is a prerequisite for the candidate. We are looking for a candidate with an interest in paaleoclimatology, some background with biotic climate proxy data, e.g. pollen or plant macrofossils and/or their statistical analysis, and existing experience or strong motivation to learn computing skills, e.g., R, Python, and GIS. Any programming background is highly valued.

This project offers the PhD candidate supervision and support in becoming an independent researcher in an international and multidisciplinary top-level research environment. The work includes doctoral studies (30 ECTS), potential for field work in southern and arctic Finland, and short-term international research visits e.g. to Stockholm University, Sweden.

Appointees should be eligible to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-e...

The starting salary of the doctoral student will be ca. 2400–2700 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university).

Your application should include a one page motivation letter and a CV and a recommendation letter in a single pdf-file. Submit the application using the electronic recruitment system of the University of Helsinki via the link “Apply for the position”. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal.

The deadline is 31 March, 2021.

For further information, please contact Academy Research Fellow J. Sakari Salonen, sakari.salonen@helsinki.fi.

Due date

31.03.2021 23:59 EEST