Postdoctoral Researcher in water resources research

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral researcher in water resources research 

The postdoctoral position is linked to large-scale and long-term research in the water sector at Flagship on DIWA - Digital Waters, and in particular, to its doctoral education pilot programme. The programmes include several universities and research institutes in Finland with expertise in hydrology, water and climate research, and ICT technologies. The DIWA doctoral education pilot has 60 PhDs researchers from 5 universities.

The position will support the DIWA doctoral education pilot and its research. The position is located at the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, at the Faculty of Technology. The unit carries out research on land, water, and energy systems and their interaction. Our water research team includes 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, groundwater research, water quality, water management, water supply, treatment, and protection. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and supersites in Finland with a unique and developing infrastructure. We are active in interdisciplinary studies in Finland and different regions abroad, with studies on climate, land, energy, and water analysis, modelling, and management.

Postdoctoral researcher in water resources

We are looking for a talented and experienced postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in water research in one of the related fields: groundwater hydrology, catchment hydrology, water quality assessment, urban hydrology, ecohydrology, cold climate hydrology, river engineering, water resources management, numerical modelling, AI and data driven approaches in hydrology.  

You will work in close collaboration with several national research partners, doctoral researcher's, and postdoctoral researchers in a strong team with a focus on digitalization in hydrology, water research, and management, using and developing different types of solutions for monitoring, data handling, data fusion, and modelling approaches to develop digital twins. Research visits to our main research partners in Helsinki and Turku, as well as partners in Eastern Finland are expected. We encourage visionary researchers with different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Job description

Besides your own research work, you will collaborate and assist in doctoral supervision and education in collaboration with other postdoctoral researchers and senior staff. Based on your background, the work involves research in different DIWA Flagship themes (see digitalwaters.fi). In particular, we look for a researcher to:

• Actively support doctoral reseacher's in their research work and writing process,
• Connect with other postdoctoral researchers in DIWA Flagship and related projects (e.g., Tulanet, MSCA) and develop the collaboration across project partners,
• Co-develop our doctoral education, and support doctoral researcher's in research work administration,
• Participate in our grant applications and recruitment of postdoctoral researchers,
• Develop our presence in international conference series such as EGU,
• Contribute and lead initiatives for joint publications such as co-authored papers and special issues
• Develop research in our early career program (doctoral, postdoctoral, MSCA IF programme).

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile position being part of a large and growing digital water research cluster in Finland. You will have the opportunity to develop professionally with the help of an experienced and enthusiastic team. You will also have access to our unique global infrastructure, where new studies can be initiated in collaboration with our team members.

The University of Oulu offers

• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• 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 an 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, an excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu. 

Who are you?

To succeed in the position, you are required to have:

•  A relevant doctoral degree in water resources research, geoscience, hydro ecology, or related fields. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Strong experience in scientific writing (e.g., from Q1 journals)
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluent in English, both in oral and written communication
• Ability to collaborate with others in a team

We also appreciate the following experience in:

• Experience in supervision or co-supervision of doctoral researcher's
• International experience and networking skills
• Experience in proposal writing, e.g., MSCA IF
• Experience in the organization of scientific events and meetings
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to communicate with various stakeholders
• Finnish language skills 

Salary

The position is fixed-term position for 3 years, beginning on 1st of September 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 level 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities, depending on your qualifications. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical monthly salary for a post-doctoral researcher is 3700 - 4800 € (before taxes), depending on your experience and qualifications.

How to apply?

Apply online latest on August 10th, 2025 (23:59 Finnish time). The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

• 1) A letter of motivation (max 2 pages),
• 2) Curriculum vitae (max 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
• 3) List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: List of publications - Academy of Finland 
• 4) Research statement or draft research plan (about 4 pages)
• 5) Teaching and supervision experience (up to 2 pages)
• 6) A copy of the applicant’s Doctoral and Master of Science degree diplomas with transcript of records, or, if the Doctoral degree is not available at the time of application, a statement from the applicant and their supervisor(s) regarding the expected completion date.
• 7) Contact details of 2–4 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the expected research profile may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information

Professor Bjørn Kløve, bjorn.klove(at)oulu.fi

Due to holiday season there may be a delay in responses during 4.7.-5.8.2025.