Doctoral Researcher in Monitoring peatland restoration outcomes with remote sensing

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in monitoring peatland restoration outcomes with remote sensing

to join us in the Geography Research Unit at the Faculty of Science. DigiPeat project develops digital tools for peatland restoration monitoring that will support digital and green transition in restoration actions. By digitalizing processes and changes spatially and temporally, we assess and project the effects of peatland restoration on topography, vegetation, hydrology, and biogeochemistry. The project participates in documenting the first national intensive peatland restoration monitoring site with high spatio-temporal resolution. Digitalization will increase the acceptability and efficiency of peatland restoration and help to improve the peatland restoration success estimates. DigiPeat is Kvantum-institute Spearhead-project and is done together with Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit.

About the job

The doctoral researcher will (1) process and analyze optical, thermal and laser scanning data derived from uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other remote sensing platforms, (2) construct detailed 3D models of topography and vegetation in the three studied peatland ecosystems, and (3) analyze spatial patterns and temporal changes in ground vegetation at different spatial scales with the help of remote sensing and field inventory data. These work tasks will primarily focus on data processing and analysis, and written reporting of the work, but there can be some field work related to UAV data collection and vegetation inventories. There is a possibility for a research visit hosted by our collaborators in Germany or Scotland.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• To have a master’s degree in physical geography, geoinformatics, environmental science or another relevant discipline.
• To have experience in analyzing and processing remote sensing data and handling big datasets e.g., in R or Python.
• To be capable of writing scientific articles in English.
• To have good understanding of northern peatland ecosystems and their vegetation.
• To have strong communication skills and interest for interdisciplinary collaboration because work is conducted in an interdisciplinary project.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 1.1.2025.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 3.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Associate Professor Aleksi Räsänen, Geography Research Unit, aleksi.rasanen@oulu.fi

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, hannu.marttila@oulu.fi