Doctoral Researcher in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change Across Europe
Explore how butterflies respond to climate change through fieldwork, museum collections, and advanced statistical modelling.
Best for:Best for early-career ecologists with a strong interest in climate change, quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary research combining fieldwork, museum studies, and statistical modelling.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Helsinki focuses on investigating how butterflies across Europe are adapting to climate change. The researcher will combine fieldwork, museum specimen analysis, and advanced statistical modelling to study shifts in butterfly body size and pigmentation over the past century. The project spans Finland, Spain, and the UK, requiring travel and collaboration with international researchers. The successful candidate will contribute to new datasets and methods while addressing key questions in global change ecology, under the supervision of Dr Emilie Ellis and Prof Tomas Roslin. The position is fully funded and offers opportunities for independent research within a supportive, international network.
What you'll do
- Conduct fieldwork across Finland, Spain, and the UK to collect ecological data on butterfly populations.
- Analyse museum specimens and digitised collections to study long-term shifts in butterfly body size and pigmentation.
- Develop and apply advanced statistical models in R to analyse ecological and climate data.
- Collaborate with international researchers, museum curators, and field ecologists to integrate datasets and methods.
- Contribute to scientific publications and open science practices, including reproducible research workflows.
- Participate in teaching and undergraduate student supervision (5% of working time).
- Present research findings at conferences and workshops, both nationally and internationally.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc or equivalent in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, zoology, environmental science, biogeography, or a related field. A BSc (Hons) may qualify if it permits entry to doctoral study in the country of award.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Strong interest in ecological research and quantitative analysis.
- Foundational knowledge of statistical modelling and R programming.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Willingness to undertake international fieldwork and travel.
- Valid driving licence (preferred but not mandatory; applicants assessed holistically).
- Applicant must either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Helsinki or obtain it within six months of appointment.
- Applicant must complete a qualifying degree before employment begins.
- No nationality or residency restrictions mentioned beyond Finnish doctoral programme eligibility.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-30 (Europe/Helsinki)
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. Current employees should apply via the internal portal. Submit all required documents as a single PDF named 'lastname_firstname' by the deadline. Include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, referee details, thesis or research work, transcripts, degree certificate, and any remaining study details if applicable.
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- List of publications and manuscripts in preparation (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Thesis or equivalent research work from qualifying degree
- Transcript(s) for qualifying degree(s) with grading system explanation and GPA
- Copy of relevant degree certificate or diploma (or description of remaining studies if incomplete)
Contact
Emilie Ellis· Principal Investigator
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