Ecological Statistician
The Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, invites applications for a position of an ecological statistician (Post-Doctoral Researcher) for a fixed term of two years, with the possibility of continuation depending on future funding decisions. The position can start at a mutually agreed time, preferably by 1st September 2026. A six-month trial period will apply at the beginning of the appointment.
The position is based in the research groups of Professor Anna-Liisa Laine and Professor Jarno Vanhatalo within the Research Centre for Ecological Change (REC) For more information, please see: https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/research-centre-for-ecological-change/
Position description
We are seeking for a person with a background in research, and the focus of this position is on ecological statistics: in analysing spatio-temporal biodiversity data to uncover patterns and drivers of biodiversity change and their links to ecosystem functioning. The position offers the opportunity to work with globally unique long-term datasets and contribute to high-impact research on how biodiversity responds to environmental change. The role focuses on applying and possibly further developing advanced statistical approaches to connect biodiversity patterns with ecosystem processes. The position is primarily analytical and supports ongoing research within the groups.
The work contributes to two major ERC-funded projects: an ERC Advanced Grant (PI Laine) examining how plant–microbe biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions are altered by human disturbance, and an ERC Consolidator Grant (PI Vanhatalo) focusing on predictive understanding of how global change affects ecological communities and ecosystem functions.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in joint species distribution modelling (e.g. HMSC), structural equation modelling, and other advanced statistical approaches, as well as the ability to adopt and develop new analytical tools.
Qualifications and profile
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD or equivalent expertise in ecology, statistics, or a related field, and strong quantitative and analytical skills. Experience working with complex ecological datasets is essential. The ideal candidate is solution-oriented, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team. Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for research are highly valued.
Application deadline 27.5.2026 (at 23:59 EEST).
For more information and instructions on how to apply:
https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki-Ecological-Statistician/1360066757/
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Jarno Vanhatalo
Professor
Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Helsinki
www.helsinki.fi/~jpvanhat