Doctoral researcher, Effects of biochar - fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth

• The University of Helsinki seeks a full-time doctoral researcher in the Department of Forest Sciences to study effects of biochar–fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth, starting in November 2026 and initially hired for 10 months to run field and greenhouse experiments including laboratory work.
• Applicants must be eligible for doctoral studies and hold an M.Sc. in a relevant field (e.g. soil and environmental science, biology, forest ecology), have excellent English and good statistical skills (Excel, SPSS, R or Matlab), and hold a driver's license for field work.
• The starting salary is around 2600 per month, the post is based at the Viikki campus in Helsinki with a five-month probationary period, and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland.
• Applicants must apply by 30.9.2026 (23:59 EEST) by submitting one single PDF with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and two academic reference letters via the University of Helsinki recruitment system.

The Department of Forest Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of a

Doctoral researcher, Effects of biochar – fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth

The full-time position starts at the beginning of November 2026 or as agreed. The doctoral researcher is initially hired for 10 months. The doctoral researcher will be employed to carry out research in the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation funded project: “Biochar fertilizer combinations for efficient early-stage growth of planted tree seedlings”. The successful candidate will determine the growth of tree seedlings in field experiments, and mechanisms of how biochar affects mineral versus organic N fertilizer uptake of seedlings in greenhouse experiments. Both experiments include laboratory work.

The doctoral researcher will be positioned in the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki, in the Soils and Climate Change Research Group led by Kristiina Karhu.

Requirements:

• Eligibility for doctoral studies
• M.Sc. degree in a suitable field (e.g. Soil and Environmental Science/Soil chemistry, Biology, Forest Ecology, Forest Soil Science, Microbiology)                                                                           
• Enthusiasm towards scientific research and eagerness to learn
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good statistical analysis skills (Excel, SPSS, R or Matlab)
• Driver’s license (required for field work)
• Capability to work both independently and in a research team, in the laboratory and in the field
• Preferably some experience in studying soil C and N cycling, such as experience in maintaining greenhouse experiments, experience in field and laboratory work. Experience in using 15N isotopes in studying soil processes would be desirable.
• Prior knowledge of biochar research and/or of boreal forest ecosystems is desirable

• Working language of the Soils and Climate Change Research Group (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/soils-and-climate-change) is English, but Finnish language skills are considered a bonus in this specific project enabling communication of results to end users and other stakeholders within Finland.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell

The salary for the doctoral candidate position is based on levels 2–4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee shall be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The starting salary is around 2600 per month. The appointment starts with a probationary period of five months. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The workplace of the position is at Viikki campus in Helsinki.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are requested to submit their applications in ONE SINGLE PDF file including the following documents:

• a letter of motivation
• curriculum vitae
• two letters of recommendation from academic referees, such as previous teachers or supervisors with their contact details.

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login.

The deadline for applications is 30.9.2026 (23:59 EEST).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Associate Professor Kristiina Karhu, Soils and Climate Change, Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, tel. + +358504486149, e-mail kristiina.karhu(at)helsinki.fi

In case you need support with the recruitment portal, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi

ABOUT US

The Department of Forest Sciences is a unit of the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, where approximately 140 people work. The department conducts internationally respected forestry research and provides top education based on it. The main research areas of research and teaching are forest ecology, forest resource management, and forest bioeconomy business and policy. The aim of the multidisciplinary activity is the teaching of sustainability and sustainable use of forests, scientific research and social influence. The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry grants Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Forestry as well as doctoral degrees in the university's doctoral programs. Approximately 350 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate students study in the department's education programs. The Department of Forest sciences is active in its social activities, and has good and long-term cooperation with research institutes in the field, other universities, administration and companies nationally and internationally.

https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/forest-sciences

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in agriculture and food and forest sectors.

www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry  

WHY FINLAND AND HELSINKI

• Why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-finland
• 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-helsinki

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