Doctoral Researcher in integrated groundwater – surface water modeling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher 

to join the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3), University of Oulu, for research on “integrated groundwater – surface water modeling in peatland dominated catchments”. We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate dedicated to combining field research, multi-scale data analysis and groundwater modelling (3D) and hydrological modeling in catchment scale approaches.

The doctoral researcher will join a international research team working in Pallas supersite catchment, in northern Finland. Theme is part of on-going Academy of Finland and EU Life funded projects in collaboration with several national and international collaborators especially with Finnish Meteorological Institute and Natural Resources Institute. Research activities are part of national Freshwater Competence Centre (FWCC).

Work is led by Associate Professor Pertti Ala-Aho, and supervised together with Associate Professor Hannu Marttila.  

Project description

The successful candidate will develop different modeling approaches to simulate how hydrological and hydrogeological process interact with

(i) carbon storage and mobilization in natural environments at the catchment scale

(ii) restoration measures done in degraded peatland catchments.

The candidate will work on integrated groundwater-surface water modeling, providing a robust framework for integrating multidata sources (tracers, remote sensing, high-resolution hydrological monitoring) in advanced process-based models.  Special emphasis in the work will be on utilizing on high resolution (spatial and temporal) data in cold climate environment with snow and frozen ground. We are looking for a talented candidate skilled in programming, numerical methods and hydrological modelling.

Further information about the Pallas super site and Freshwater Competence Center (FWCC) can be found from the webpages:

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hyp.14350
• https://www.oulu.fi/en/projects/peatland-restoration-greenhouse-gas-emission-reduction-and-carbon-sequestration-baltic-sea-region
• https://www.freshwatercompetencecentre.com

Requirements and qualifications

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

• Master's degree in hydrology, environmental engineering, soil science, geology, geography or a related field of environmental sciences
• Good understanding of hydrological processes is required
• Good and demonstrated data analysis and numerical skills, and knowledge from programming languages such as R, Python, Matlab, or similar.
• Good and demonstrated knowledge of hydrological and/or groundwater modelling
• Good English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Ability to work both independently and with different research groups and teams

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 (full time 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.

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of numerical modelling, hydrology, biogeochemistry and water resources management.
• University´s wide variety of support services is at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, support for sports services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competencies. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The employed person will be insured by the university. The Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example, possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Salary and key terms

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. The position is fixed term for four years starting earliest on September 1^st, 2023. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online system by 20 June 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 contact information of at least two referees and 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 (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
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.

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

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