Doctoral Researcher, Ecology and Genetics

We are now looking for a Doctoral 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 project We are looking for a highly motivated and research-oriented person to carry out doctoral 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 specific research questions can relate, for example, to (1) the role of temporal dispersal via soil seed banks as a diversity maintaining mechanism under multiple global changes, (2) the role of intraspecific trait change in modifying the effects of climatic and other global changes on plant biodiversity, and (3) relative and interactive roles of spatial context (i.e., connectivity and habitat size), dispersal and herbivory in mediating plant biodiversity response to global changes. A suitable combination of these questions/ideas will be developed together with the project leader. We use already existing data (ready to be analyzed) and will also collect new data from two unique, existing long-term experimental systems to address these research questions. Your tasks As a Doctoral Researcher, you will conduct research in the “Mechanisms of Plant Biodiversity Change” project described above and complete a doctoral degree and studies studies at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Your specific tasks are: Collecting new data on plant communities (field, greenhouse and laboratory work), including organizing and planning the work Conducting plant trait measurements Conducting statistical analyses on new and already existing research data from long-term field experiments Writing manuscripts (2-3) and publishing the research findings in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals under the guidance/supervision of your mentor and in collaboration with other researchers Participating national and international conferences and workshops, when relevant Teaching in BSc/MSc level courses and co-supervising master's students and interns. Being an active member of the working group 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 Helsinki, Finland and the University of California, Davis, USA. There may also be research visit(s) to these collabortors’ groups. Qualification requirements for the Doctoral researcher position MSc in plant community ecology or equivalent field Strong motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm towards ecological research and to pursue doctoral studies Experience and interest in some of the following: plant biodiversity research, experimental research, global change research, trait-based plant ecology Excellent statistical skills with software R Ability to travel and do field work, experience in field work Good grassland plant identification skills and ability to quickly learn new species Knowledge of grassland ecosystems (e.g., temperate, tundra) Excellent written and spoken English Good communication and teamwork skills, ability to work in an international team Driver’s licence is needed or willingness to acquire one See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) Assessment of the applicants will be based on, acknowledging the content of the job, 1) overall fit to the above profile, 2) scientific publications (if applicable), 3) motivation, 4) previous work experience, 5) national and international mobility and networking skills, and 5) other academic activities and merits. What we offer A three-year, full-time Doctoral Researcher position in an ambitious project Opportunities for national and international collaboration, conference participation, co- authored publications and research mobility if relevant to your doctoral project You will become a part of a highly enthusiastic and talented research group that is working on globally significant research areas 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 wil