About the opportunity
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a permanent University Lecturer in Ecology, starting on 1 February 2027 or by mutual agreement. Based in the Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology on Viikki Campus, the appointee will dedicate 40% to 60% of their annual workload to teaching duties, curriculum design, thesis supervision, and academic administration. The remaining time is focused on scientific research that builds upon existing ecological expertise at the department. Teaching responsibilities center on the Bachelor’s Programme in Biology and relevant courses within the Master’s Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, and the Master’s Programme in Nature, Society, and Environmental Solutions, alongside ecology field courses. The appointee will also engage in postgraduate education and public outreach.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary between €4,400 and €5,600 based on levels 6–7 of the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff, plus a personal performance component.
- Ongoing permanent appointment with a six-month trial period.
- Opportunities to conduct world-class research supported by modern infrastructures, the Viikki Campus, and biological research stations.
- Professional development within a multidisciplinary workplace community.
Who can apply?
- Must hold a doctoral degree in ecology or another applicable field.
- Must have proven experience and track record in scientific research, high-quality research-based teaching, and thesis supervision.
- Must achieve a rating of at least 'good' in the assessment of teaching skills.
- Must demonstrate active publication records in recent years, independent research capacity, leadership potential, and experience in acquiring external research funding.
- Must be proficient in Finnish or Swedish (the teaching languages required by the Government Decree on Universities) and possess good English skills.
Required documents
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Report on previous research activities and external funding acquired over the past 10 years, including future research plans (maximum 3 pages).
- Report on teaching experience and merits relevant to teaching skills evaluation (maximum 3 pages).
- Numbered list of publications with up to 10 most important publications highlighted and briefly explained.
- Statement of language skills.
When to apply
- Applications close on 6 November 2026 at 23.59 EET.
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in English as a single PDF file named in the format Ecology_Lecturer_Lastname_Firstname.
- Submit the application through the University of Helsinki recruitment system by clicking 'Apply now' (or 'Employee login' for internal candidates with a valid account).
Additional information
- The position is located at the Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
- Leading applicants will be invited to give a teaching demonstration as part of the recruitment process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An established researcher and educator in ecology seeking a permanent faculty position at a leading global research university.
- Academics with a strong publication record who want to combine undergraduate and graduate teaching with active field and laboratory research.
- Professionals proficient in Finnish or Swedish who can immediately meet the legal language requirements for university teaching in Finland.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must meet strict statutory language proficiency requirements in either Finnish or Swedish to qualify for teaching duties.
- Relocation to Helsinki, Finland is required as the position is based on the Viikki Campus.
- The role entails a standard six-month probationary trial period.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This permanent lectureship suits mid-career academics and researchers aiming to secure a stable university position that balances dedicated teaching responsibilities in biology with funded ecological research and thesis supervision.
Our take
Qualified researchers and educators with a doctoral degree in ecology and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish should seriously consider applying before the November deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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