About the opportunity
The Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) is a cross-faculty research network at the University of Helsinki. In partnership with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, HELSUS is offering a 14-month postdoctoral research position. The research must focus on the prevention or mitigation of biodiversity loss, with an expectation of strong societal impact through collaboration with stakeholders such as political, municipal, company, or NGO actors. The position is open to researchers from various backgrounds, including ecological, social, planning, or regulatory expertise. The appointee will be expected to participate actively in HELSUS activities and communications, and must reside in Finland for the duration of the employment.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary of approximately 3,800 to 4,200 euros, based on qualifications and experience
- Funding for research-related costs for up to 14 months
- Opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary sustainability research and stakeholder collaboration
Who can apply?
- Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline
- Ability to conduct independent scholarly work
- Maximum of five years since PhD completion (degree certificate issued between 1 November 2021 and 31 October 2026)
- Career breaks for parental leave, military service, or long-term illness will be considered and should be justified in the CV
- Must not be a member of the HELSUS Steering Group
- Must reside in Finland while employed
Required documents
- CV (maximum 4 pages, including a list of up to 10 selected publications)
- Research plan (maximum 3 pages, 12pt font, covering title, academic contribution, aims, methods, and expected results)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 8 October 2026, at 23:59 EEST
How to apply
- Submit an online application via the University of Helsinki recruitment portal
- Upload a single PDF file containing the required CV and research plan
Additional information
- The position includes a six-month trial period
- The appointee will be based at either the city centre campus or the Viikki campus
- The preferred start date is 1 November 2026
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…
- Researchers with a strong background in sustainability science who are eager to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical societal solutions.
- Scholars who have completed their PhD within the last five years and are looking for a focused, 14-month opportunity to lead a specific research project.
- Applicants with experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly those who have worked with non-academic stakeholders like NGOs, municipalities, or companies.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires residency in Finland, which may necessitate relocation for international applicants.
- The 14-month duration is relatively short, so applicants should ensure their research plan is realistic and achievable within this timeframe.
- The role involves active participation in HELSUS communications and reporting to the donor, which adds administrative and networking responsibilities beyond pure research.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent fit for early-career researchers aiming to build a track record in applied sustainability science. It provides a platform to test real-world solutions to biodiversity loss, which can be a significant stepping stone for those interested in policy-relevant research or future academic leadership roles. The short-term nature of the contract makes it ideal for someone looking to bridge a career gap or gain specific experience in stakeholder-engaged research before moving to a longer-term position.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for recent PhD graduates who want to make a tangible impact on biodiversity conservation. It is less suitable for those seeking long-term job security or those whose research is purely theoretical and does not involve active collaboration with societal stakeholders.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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