Assistant/Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

University of Helsinki

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor in Arctic Ecosystem Ecology.

The candidate is expected to have a strong track record in the field of Arctic ecosystem ecology and/or environmental change in the Arctic, and to be committed to excellence in research, funding acquisition, researcher training, undergraduate education and societal interaction.

The selected candidate is expected to take scientific leadership of Kilpisjärvi Biological Station to develop broad-based Arctic ecosystem and environmental research with Kilpisjärvi Biological Station as its center, and build and strengthen existing ties to regional stakeholders, including science education. This position entails being located at least 30–50% of work time in Kilpisjärvi Biological Station. The scientific aim is for the professorship to result in improved understanding of the structure and functioning of Arctic ecosystems and factors that affect their state. The tasks include acquiring external funding and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students and actively participating in the teaching of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses related to the field of the position.

The successful applicant may be appointed to an assistant/associate professorship (tenure track) (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/careers-at-the-university-of-helsinki/tenure-track-at-the-university-of-helsinki), or to full professorship depending on the applicant’s qualifications and career stage.

Requirements

For Professorship

  • Doctoral degree

  • High quality scholarly qualifications

  • Experience in supervision of scientific research

  • Ability to provide high quality research-based teaching

  • Ability to supervise theses and dissertations

  • Evidence of international cooperation in the field

For Assistant/Associate Professorship

  • Doctoral degree

  • Ability to conduct independent scholarly work

  • Teaching skills necessary for the position

  • Ability and motivation to pursue a scientific career, as demonstrated by publications or other means

  • Early-stage independent researchers are encouraged to apply

Assessment Criteria

When considering each applicant’s qualifications, attention will be given to:

  • Scientific publications and their impact

  • Teaching experience and pedagogical competence

  • Training supervision

  • Participation in doctoral education

  • Experience in leading multidisciplinary consortia

  • Collaboration across scientific fields

  • Activity in the scientific community

  • Success in obtaining external research funding

  • International research experience

  • Positions in international organizations

  • Interaction with relevant stakeholders

The University of Helsinki has signed the COARA Declaration and applies its principles in evaluating scientific merit.

Language Requirements

Due to the position’s central role in Arctic research development and infrastructure in Kilpisjärvi:

  • Proficiency in Finnish is required.

  • If not initially proficient, the appointee must acquire intermediate Finnish (B2) within five years.

  • The University supports language training and allows time for studies.

  • Good English skills are required.

Salary and Benefits

  • Assistant/Associate Professors: €60,000 – €72,000 annually (gross)

  • Professors: €72,000 – €92,000 annually (gross)

  • Startup package provided

  • Comprehensive employee services: healthcare, insurance, language courses, professional development

  • International Staff Services assists incoming employees

The Research Environment

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers, ranking among the world’s top 100 universities. It promotes open science, equality, and a supportive workplace.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is Finland’s leading hub for life science research.
Kilpisjärvi Biological Station is part of the Faculty’s Research Stations Unit, providing extensive field research support including technicians, vehicles, laboratories, and long-term monitoring initiatives (e.g., vole populations since 1946).

The professorship is based in Kilpisjärvi and Viikki, Helsinki (50/50 or 30/70 allocation), within the Ecosystems and Environment Research Program.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted through the University’s electronic recruitment system.

Required documents (in English):

  1. CV

  2. Research report and future research plan (max. 3 pages), including external funding history (last 10 years; PI/co-PI status; amounts; funding agency; project name)

  3. Report on teaching experience and merits (max. 3 pages)

  4. Numbered list of publications, with 10 most important highlighted and explained briefly

Alternatively, applicants may submit an Academic Portfolio (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/academic-portfolio).

Deadline

15 January 2026 (23:59 Europe/Helsinki time)
Unit: Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Sub-unit: Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme
ID: 4573

Further Information

Apply