Doctoral Researcher in Biochar-Fertilizer Effects on Tree Seedling Growth
Explore the impact of biochar and fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth through field and greenhouse experiments.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in soil science, environmental science, or related fields, eager to engage in interdisciplinary field and laboratory research.
Overview
This doctoral position at the University of Helsinki focuses on investigating how biochar and fertilizer combinations influence the early growth of planted tree seedlings. The successful candidate will conduct field experiments to measure seedling growth and greenhouse experiments to analyze nutrient uptake mechanisms, including laboratory work. The research is part of a project funded by the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation and will be conducted under the supervision of Kristiina Karhu in the Soils and Climate Change Research Group within the Department of Forest Sciences. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable forestry practices and climate change mitigation through innovative soil science research.
What you'll do
- Conduct field experiments to measure the growth of tree seedlings under different biochar-fertilizer combinations.
- Design and execute greenhouse experiments to study how biochar affects mineral versus organic nitrogen fertilizer uptake by seedlings.
- Perform laboratory analyses to support experimental findings, including soil and plant sample processing.
- Analyze data using statistical methods (Excel, SPSS, R, or Matlab) to interpret experimental results.
- Collaborate with the research team on project planning, data collection, and reporting.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in academic journals.
- Contribute to knowledge dissemination by communicating results to stakeholders and end-users.
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Science (MSc) in Soil and Environmental Science, Soil Chemistry, Biology, Forest Ecology, Forest Soil Science, Microbiology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent not explicitly required but implied by communication skills requirement); Finnish language skills considered a bonus for stakeholder communication
Instruction: English
- Eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, R, or Matlab)
- Valid driver’s license for fieldwork
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in laboratory and field settings
- Experience in maintaining greenhouse experiments and conducting field/laboratory work
- Eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki (or ability to obtain it within the probationary period)
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-30 (Europe/Helsinki)
Applicants must submit their application as a single PDF file containing a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation from academic referees with contact details. External applicants should apply via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Employees of the university with a valid contract should use the Employee login.
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from academic referees (with contact details)
Contact
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