Research Assistants/Project Researchers - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Our team (https://eskelinenresearch.com/) is looking for two motivated, enthusiastic and independent

Research Assistants/Project Researchers

to work with a Global Change Effects on Plant Metacommunities Project. You will mainly conduct field work in a beautiful meadow metacommunity system in the archipelago of southern Finland, Åland Islands. In our Academy of Finland funded project, we examine how global changes affect plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a natural plant metacommunity system. We will combine global change treatments with plant functional traits related to spatial and temporal dispersal, competition and herbivory with information about habitat size and connectivity, and integrate these with measuring plant community diversity and composition, ecosystem functions, and pollinator species diversity.

You can be a master’s level student or already advanced in your career, we will shape the position based on the selected persons’ background. You will work in an international researcher team. The work language will be English, but we are looking for a person who can also speak Swedish. There is also a chance for a Master’s degree topic (e.g., related to bryophytes).    

Contents of tasks (can vary depending on the level of employment and main strengths of the hired person):

• Plant functional trait collection (e.g., seed and floral traits, specific leaf area, foliar C:N, photosynthetic capacity)
• Conducting independently or helping with plant community (cover, biomass) and soil sampling
• Processing plant biomass, seed, and soil in a lab (possibly in Oulu, can be negotiated)
• Establishing experiments
• Communicating with landowners
• Helping researchers in various tasks in the field and lab

Requirements:

• For project researcher: Recent Master’s degree in Ecology
• For research assistant: Ecology student or Bachelor’s degree in Ecology
• Capability for independent and detail-orientated work in both field and laboratory in various conditions, including remote and sometimes challenging weather conditions
• Good knowledge of plant species (especially species in Southern Finland/Central Europe) or capability to learn some basics
• Field work experience
• Ability to work in a team, good social skills in general
• Interest in plant community ecology, biodiversity, global changes and plant traits
• Good English skills, at least basic Swedish skills, good skills will be an asset
• Knowledge of bryophytes will be an asset

Salary and terms of the employment:

The positions will be fixed term for 2 and 4 months, starting from 1.5. or 1.6., or as agreed. The duration can be adjusted, and also shorter/longer employments may be possible. A trial period of 1 month will be included. Employment comes via University of Oulu. Salary depends on education and experience, which affect the responsibilities and tasks.

Salary is in accordance with the Finnish universities’ salary system: for research assistant according to teaching and research personnel level 1 and for project researcher according to other staff level 6-9. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Typical starting salary for a research assistant is approx. 2100-2400€ per month (before taxes) for a project researcher is approx. 2400-2900€ per month (before taxes).

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted using the electronic application form by 24th of February 2023 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Curriculum vitae
• A letter of motivation
• Contact information of two references

For further information, please contact Dr. Anu Eskelinen (anu.eskelinen@oulu.fi).