Doctoral Researcher in interactions between soil water and root water uptake in boreal forests - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

in interactions between soil water and root water uptake in boreal forests to join the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3), University of Oulu.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated candidate dedicated to field measurements and field sampling of water fluxes and isotopes in boreal forests, as well as laboratory analyses in water isotopes and root properties. The successful candidate will work on the seasonal source of root water uptake in high-latitude boreal forests by (1) elucidating how seasonal precipitation (snow and rain) is distributed in space and time in forest soils, (2) identifying high-frequency soil water movement vertically and horizontally just after and also between precipitation events, (3) investigating the importance of root water uptake on ecohydrologic separation. The candidate will work with a sophisticated and comprehensive in-situ and continuous measurement system tracking water fluxes and isotopes along the entire flow path of seasonal precipitation - soil - roots - trunk on typical boreal tree species in forests around the Arctic Circle.

The doctoral researcher will join an international research team working in the well-established Oulanka research station and Pallas super site in northern Finland. The work is part of the ongoing Research Council of Finland project BFF-Water (Tree water uptake under changing snow-rain seasonality: The forgotten tree-induced upward fast flow in boreal soils). Research activities are part of the EcoClimate program and national Freshwater Competence Centre (FWCC). The work is supervised by Associate professor Pertti Ala-aho, Associate professor Hannu Marttila, and Academy Research Fellow Dr. Zuosinan Chen.

Further information can be found on these websites:

• https://www.oulu.fi/en/projects/tree-water-uptake-under-changing-snow-rain-seasonality-forgotten-tree-induced-upward-fast-flow
• https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/oulanka-research-station
• https://eu-interact.org/field-sites/pallas-sodankyla-stations/

Requirements and qualifications

Assessment of the applicant’s qualifications will be based on the following criteria:

• Master's degree in hydrology, forestry, soil science, tree physiology, or a related field of biogeosciences or natural sciences
• Good understanding of forest (eco)hydrological processes
• Knowledge of stable water isotope (2H and 18O) techniques
• Good and demonstrated data analysis skills and knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Good English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Ability to work both independently and with different research groups and teams

The following is viewed positively:

• Good understanding of interactions between soil water availability and root/tree water uptake, preferably knowledge on root physiology
• Experience in field and/or laboratory work, preferably experience regarding the direct vapour equilibrium method
• Have a driving licence

The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the “European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (fulltime equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled.

You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS requirements.

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented and inspiring research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of northern (eco)hydrology, biogeochemistry, and water resources management.
• The opportunity to work with the innovative in-situ high-frequency water flux and isotope measurement system for tree water use research (e.g., DVE method based WIP system, Picarro L2140-i, heat-pulse sap flow measurement), as well as a comprehensive boreal forest hydrology measurement set-up.
• University´s wide variety of support services is at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• 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.
• 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 and key terms

The position is fixed term for four years starting earliest on 1st February 2024. 

The salary of selected doctoral researcher will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2 - 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, supplementary remuneration is given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2600 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and the progress of the doctoral thesis.

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online system by 10 November 2023, 23:59 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):

1. Complete CV containing a list of journal and conference publications (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
2. Motivation letter describing prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
4. Contact details of 2-4 referees available for recommendation

Applications sent by email will not be considered. The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile expected for the position may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

For further information

Dr. Zuosinan Chen

zuosinan.chen@oulu.fi

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit

Associate Professor Pertti Ala-aho

pertti.ala-aho@oulu.fi

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila

hannu.marttila@oulu.fi

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit