Doctoral researcher, Effects of biochar – fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth Full-time NEW

Doctoral Researcher, Effects of Biochar – Fertilizer Combinations on Tree Seedling Growth

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 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