Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

University of Helsinki

Employer: University of Helsinki – Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Position: Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor (tenure track for assistant/associate; full professorship possible)
Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time
Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland

Position Overview

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor in Restoration Ecology.

The successful applicant will have expertise in urban ecosystems and their restoration or rehabilitation, with relevant research themes including, but not limited to:

  • Urban ecology

  • Bioremediation

  • Landscape design

  • Restoration practices

Applicants with experience in assessing ecological or socio-environmental outcomes, field experimentation, or ecosystem-based approaches to broader environmental challenges are encouraged to apply.

The position is part of the Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL) multi-faculty initiative, which engages multiple faculties to create a leading European hub for transdisciplinary research on ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious, and socio-ecological diversity. Work may involve leading multi- and transdisciplinary teams on projects linking urban biodiversity, ecological integrity, and social equity.

Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree

  • Have top-level scholarly qualifications and experience supervising scientific research

  • Demonstrate ability to acquire research funding

  • Provide top-level research-based teaching and supervise theses/dissertations

  • Have a record of international cooperation in their research field

  • Be capable of independent scholarly work, mentoring doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, attracting funding, and delivering high-quality teaching

Assessment criteria:

  • Scientific publications and significance in the field

  • Teaching experience, pedagogical competence, and development of teaching materials

  • Supervision of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral theses

  • Participation in doctoral education

  • Success in obtaining external funding and international research experience

The University of Helsinki follows the DORA Declaration in evaluating scientific merit.

Salary and Benefits

  • Assistant/Associate Professor: €65,000–€77,000 per year (gross)

  • Full Professor: €75,000–€95,000 per year (gross)

  • Startup package and access to research infrastructure

  • Comprehensive employee benefits including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development support

  • Support for international staff transitioning to Finland

Research and Teaching Environment

  • Position based in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences

  • Access to Viikki Campus facilities and three ecological research stations: Tvärminne, Lammi, Kilpisjärvi

  • Opportunities to develop and teach courses on urban pollution and restoration

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents in English via the University’s electronic recruitment system:

  1. CV

  2. Research report: Past 10 years of research activities, external funding (PI/co-PI status, funding agency, project name), and a future research plan (max 4 pages: 2 past, 2 future)

  3. Teaching report: Experience and merits relevant to teaching (max 3 pages)

  4. Publications list: Numbered list with a maximum of 10 highlighted key publications with brief explanations

    • Alternatively, an academic portfolio may include all above documents

Contact for information:

Deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time

Further information:

About the University

The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university with over 40,000 students and researchers. The institution values truth, education (bildung), freedom, inclusivity, and a commitment to research with real-world impact.

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