Doctoral Researcher in Forest Biodiversity and Catchment Hydrology
Develop novel remote sensing indicators for forest biodiversity and assess their hydrological impacts at the catchment scale.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a Master’s in environmental science, geospatial data expertise, and experience in remote sensing or hydrological modelling.
Overview
This doctoral position at the University of Turku focuses on advancing forest biodiversity research through remote sensing and hydrological modelling. The successful candidate will contribute to the **BiodiLogDef** project, funded by Business Finland, and the **Digital Waters Flagship**, investigating how forest biodiversity influences water cycles. Based in the Department of Geography and Geology, the role involves processing lidar and geospatial datasets, statistical modelling, and interdisciplinary collaboration with biology and biodiversity sciences departments. The position offers a 48-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional development and well-being support. Applicants should have a strong background in natural sciences, engineering, or data science, with proficiency in statistical methods and geospatial data handling.
What you'll do
- Develop indicators to quantify forest biodiversity using advanced remote sensing techniques, particularly lidar datasets.
- Process and manage large-scale geospatial and remote sensing data to derive meaningful insights.
- Investigate the relationship between forest biodiversity and hydrological processes at the catchment scale.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including departments of Biology and Biodiversity Sciences, to integrate biological and hydrological data.
- Conduct statistical analysis and modelling to support research findings and project objectives.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to project documentation and reporting as required by the BiodiLogDef and DIWA Flagship initiatives.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, data science, or a related field (must be completed by the application deadline).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for collaboration and reporting.
Instruction: English
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
- Proficiency in applying statistical methods and modelling techniques.
- Experience handling large geospatial and remote sensing datasets.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Completion of a Master’s degree by the application deadline.
- Applicant must not have completed a doctoral degree.
- Must hold or be eligible to hold doctoral study rights at the University of Turku.
- Must align doctoral research plan with project topics.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-23 (Europe/Helsinki)
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Turku’s online recruitment system. The application should include a motivation letter (max one page), CV, degree certificates, and any other relevant documents. The application deadline is 23 October 2026 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki).
- Motivation letter (max one page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree certificates
- Any other relevant documents
Contact
Ville Kankare· Associate Professor
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