The Faculty of Science invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN DATA SCIENCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION starting from August 2025 or as agreed. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be offered a fully funded contract of up to 3 years.

Position description

The postdoctoral researcher position involves developing novel spatial and other statistical frameworks, combining biodiversity, environmental, digital, and socio-economic data, to identify which species are in most need of conservation attention and where limited resources should be invested to help reduce the ongoing loss of biodiversity in accordance with global and EU policies. The position is part of the BIOBANG project at the University of Helsinki, which explores the relationships between indirect and direct drivers of biodiversity loss and investigates what conservation actions hold the potential for transformative changes in human-nature relationships.

Working as a postdoctoral researcher

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• Develop and apply quantitative methods specifically tailored to the goals of the BIOBANG project.
• Establish and maintain code and data repositories to ensure efficient workflow and collaboration.
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary research team to advance the BIOBANG project’s objectives.
• Contribute to the broader activities of the research group, including supervision of students and contributions to teaching.
• Lead and collaborate on publishing high quality manuscripts in leading peer-reviewed journals.
   

The person we are looking for

• The ideal candidate must have a doctoral degree in conservation science, ecology, geoinformatics, mathematics, or other relevant fields.
• Applicants should have experience in statistics, programming languages and tools, primarily in Python and/or R, algorithms and systems designed to extract insights from large datasets.
• Experience with integrating and analyzing diverse data sources, such as biodiversity (e.g., the IUCN Red List of Species and GBIF), conservation knowledge (e.g., the World Database on Protected Areas), environmental (e.g., remote sensing), threat (e.g., land use change), digital (e.g., Wikipedia), and socio-economic (e.g., opportunity costs) data, using spatial and other statistical analyses is highly desirable.
• The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary team carrying out research in conservation science that can help address the global biodiversity crisis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
   

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of all genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minority groups.

Why work for us?

The BIOBANG project is a groundbreaking research initiative that investigates biodiversity loss by using an interdisciplinary approach and innovative methodologies combining traditional and novel digital data sources. The project is directly aligned with global and EU biodiversity goals, and you will contribute to global conservation efforts.

The Helsinki Lab of Interdisciplinary Conservation Science (HELICS) is an interdisciplinary and internationally recognized team with expertise in conservation science, geography, computer science, social sciences and economics. We develop methods and analyses that can help investigate human-nature interactions to inform decision making. We carry out global to local analyses, by integrating traditional and novel digital data sources. Our research takes advantage of digital data sources and methods to study human-nature interactions at relevant temporal and spatial scales. We are interested in finding sustainable solutions that can help support both nature and people.

As part of the HELICS lab, you will benefit from:

• A supportive and caring working environment, with opportunities to enhance your leadership and supervisory skills.
• Training in cutting-edge research methods and participation in interdisciplinary projects.
• Professional development, including by attending pedagogic courses.
   

The University of Helsinki is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world, renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research. It is ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is a key player in solving some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, including environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will range from approximately 3700 - 4000 Euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. On top of the salary, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive benefits to its employees, including:

• Occupational health care.
• Flexible working hours suiting various life situations.
• Access to high quality sports facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development.
   

Please find more information about the staff benefits.

Finland, a member of the EU, offers high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. Please find more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.

Interested?

Please submit your application, which includes the following PDF-documents in English:

• A motivation letter describing your interest in and potential contribution to the position.
• An academic portfolio in the format approved by the Faculty of Science (as described on https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/join-us/academic-portfolio).
• Other relevant documentation, such as an PhD/MSc thesis or other text demonstrating your writing skills (optional).
• Names and contact details of two referees who can provide reference letters upon request.
   

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

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

Deadline for applications: 15 May 2025.

More information?
For more information about the position, please contact:

• Professor Enrico Di Minin, Email: enrico.di.minin(at)helsinki.fi, Tel: +358(0)294150770
   

For support with the recruitment system, please contact:

• Email: hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi