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

About the opportunity

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, and 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 involving laboratory work. The position is located at the Viikki campus in Helsinki, and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland.

Salary and benefits

• Salary starting at around 2,600 EUR per month, based on levels 2–4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities, plus a performance-based component.
• Comprehensive services including occupational health care and health insurance.
• Access to university sports facilities and opportunities for professional development.
• Support from International Staff Services for transition to work and life in Finland.

Who can apply?

• Eligibility for doctoral studies (must either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for and obtain it within the probationary period).
• M.Sc. degree in a suitable field such as Soil and Environmental Science/Soil chemistry, Biology, Forest Ecology, Forest Soil Science, or 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.
• Experience in studying soil C and N cycling, maintaining greenhouse experiments, field/laboratory work, or using 15N isotopes is desirable.
• Prior knowledge of biochar research and/or boreal forest ecosystems is desirable.
• Finnish language skills are considered a bonus.

Required documents

• A letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation from academic referees (such as previous teachers or supervisors) with their contact details

When to apply

• Application deadline: 30.9.2026 (23:59 EEST)
• Position starts at the beginning of November 2026 or as agreed.

How to apply

• Prepare all required application documents into ONE SINGLE PDF file.
• External applicants must submit their application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.
• Current University of Helsinki employees or contractors with a helsinki.fi username must submit their application via Employee Login.

Additional information

• The appointment starts with a probationary period of five months.
• The working language of the Soils and Climate Change Research Group is English.