Postdoctoral Researcher, Ecology and Genetics

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join us, Global Change and Biotic Interactions Ecology -group, for the Research Council of Finland-funded project “ Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change ”, both led by Prof. Anu Eskelinen ( Eskelinen Research Group | Global Change and Biotic Interaction Ecology ). Description of the position We are looking for a highly motivated and talented, strongly research-oriented person to carry out postdoctoral research addressing the mechanisms of plant biodiversity change. In this project, we investigate what are the roles of mechanisms related to spatial context, dispersal in space and time, biotic interactions (competition, herbivory) and intraspecific trait change in driving heterogeneous responses of plant biodiversity to different global change factors (e.g., climate warming, nutrient enrichment). We aim for a more holistic understanding of plant biodiversity change in the Anthropocene, being able to provide answers to questions: how, why and where plant biodiversity changes. The research questions can relate, for example, to (1) the role of seed banks as a diversity maintaining mechanism under multiple global changes, (2) the role of competition for light and other mechanisms such as litter and loss of herbivory in driving diversity loss under climatic and other global changes, and (3) the role of intraspecific trait change in modifying the effects of climatic and other global changes on plant biodiversity. These will be developed together with the project leader. The postdoctoral researcher in collaboration with the project leader and collaborators will use existing data from long-term global change experiments, analyze data, and write manuscripts/publish articles in highly reputable international journals. These data come from two experiments: (1) eDiValo experiment that was designed to test the ecological impacts of light on plant community diversity (Eskelinen et al. 2022 Nature), and (2) a long-term experiment in tundra manipulating temperature, grazing and nutrients (Kaarlejärvi et al. 2017 Nat Comm). There is also a possibility for some experimental field work, although the position is mostly targeted using already existing long-term experimental data. Other duties may include teaching in undergraduate/graduate courses and co-supervising master's and doctoral students and contributing to developing new proposals to continue further research in this area. In addition, you may have to participate in administrative tasks of the university and/or the Ecology and Genetics Unit. Although the position will be based at the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit in Oulu, the doctoral researcher will also collaborate with an international researcher team from, for example, the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research iDiv, Germany, and the University of Helsinki, Finland. There may also be research visit(s) to these collabortors’ groups. We also expect participation to international conferences. Qualification requirements for the Postdoctoral researcher position PhD in plant community ecology or equivalent field (obtained within the past 10 years) Demonstrated ability to prepare independently high-impact manuscripts/publications for international journals Demonstrated experience and knowledge of plant biodiversity research, experimental research, global change research, trait-based plant ecology, or some combination of these Strong statistical, data exploration and data management skills, excellent skills with software R Knowledge of grassland ecosystems (e.g., temperate, tundra) Ability for independent scientific work Open-mindedness, curiosity, strong motivation and enthusiasm towards research and science Excellent written and spoken English Good communication and teamwork skills. Assessment of the applicants will be based on, acknowledging the content of the job, 1) overall fit to the above profile, 2) scientific publications, 3) motivation, 4) previous work experience, 5) national and international mobility and networking skills, and 5) other academic activities and merits. What we offer You will become a part of a highly enthusiastic and talented research group that is working on globally significant research areas The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team where you can share and grow your expertise. Inspiring, novel, and ambitious study questions/systems Possibility for a flexible combination of presence work and remote work (this can be negotiated, depending on the situation of the applicant and project demands) Full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including free time corresponding to holidays and free occupational health care services. The successful candidate will also receive benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, for example, the possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with chi