Postdoctoral Researcher, Remote Sensing Terrestrial Biodiversity, Ecology and Genetics Research Unit

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecosystem Monitoring With Remote Sensing

to join us as part of the Profi8 interdisciplinary research program “SAFIRE: Safeguarding Biodiversity through Interdisciplinary Research on Habitat Restoration” at the University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.

The University has recently launched a new strategic research programme, SAFIRE, which brings together the faculties of natural sciences, humanities, and engineering. SAFIRE’s focus is the production of scientifically excellent and actionable knowledge on habitat restoration, especially in the Arctic regions. SAFIRE aims to develop transdisciplinary processes to improve habitat restoration through basic and applied science, engaging and co-producing knowledge and solutions with societal actors, and the integration of advanced modelling approaches, both at the level of individual projects, and at an institutional level within Oulu University. SAFIRE will also advance research and discussion concerning the multiple environmental and societal contributors to ecosystem restoration and will strengthen the collaborative role of the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering, in current political and scientific debates about the environment, especially but not limited to the Arctic. Through three linked tenure track appointments, and significant investment in transdisciplinary collaboration between research disciplines and with societal actors, SAFIRE will promote inter- and transdisciplinary and citizen-engaged studies of the environment and raise the University’s profile as an international leader in restoring inter-related ecological and social systems.

SAFIRE is part of a wider Profi8 program at the University of Oulu, funded by the Research Council Finland, and it is co-led by the Faculties of Science and Humanities at the University of Oulu.

About the job

We are looking for a remote sensing specialist to work on different tasks related to monitoring of the status and functioning of various managed, degraded, restored, and pristine ecosystems. We are mainly focusing on terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., forests, peatlands) but there can be also tasks related to freshwater and marine habitats. The remote sensing datasets will be connected to a wide range of field monitoring datasets (e.g., vegetation, environmental dna). You will primarily work with long-term monitoring utilizing satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel) but there are also possibilities for utilizing drone and other high spatial resolution data.

You should have a proven track record in high-quality scientific publishing as well as processing and analyzing satellite imagery e.g., through cloud-based geospatial analysis platforms such as Google Earth Engine. We are looking for a team player who has a strong motivation and capability to work with ecologists as well as researchers from various backgrounds and disciplines. You are expected to have expertise in different statistical and machine learning methods, coding languages and processing environments (e.g., R, Python). You are expected to participate in external funding calls.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• 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 a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• PhD degree in remote sensing, geoinformatics, geography, environmental science, or other related fields.  The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago
  
  
• Solid knowledge of working with satellite imagery and other remote sensing datasets
  
  
• Good understanding of terrestrial ecology
  
  
• Experience in programming languages like R or Python
  
  

We also appreciate

• Experience in working in transdisciplinary research groups

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2 years as of 15.5.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 1.4.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders, and members of different languages, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Assistant Professor Stefan Prost (stefan.prost@oulu.fi) and Aleksi Räsänen (aleksi.rasanen@oulu.fi).