Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrological and Ecosystem Modelling
The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.
We are now looking for
Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrological and Ecosystem Modelling for a 3-year fixed-term position to join us in the Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Unit.
About the job
We are looking for a talented and experienced postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in process-based hydrological or earth system modelling. You will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on understanding and modelling hydrological and biogeochemical processes and their interactions with ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. The work will involve developing and applying models to simulate water and nutrient fluxes, and feedback between terrestrial ecosystems and climate systems, with a focus on Arctic and boreal environments.
We recognise that excellent candidates come from different scientific traditions. We therefore invite applications along two complementary profiles, and encourage you to indicate in your application which profile best matches your interests and expertise. Both profiles are equally valued and will be assessed on their own merits. We also welcome candidates whose expertise and interests fall between these profiles or combine elements of both.
Profile A: Hydrological modelling of lateral carbon transport
You will study the hydrological processes governing the mobilisation and lateral transport of carbon in northern and Arctic catchments. You will develop and apply process-based hydrological models to simulate water flow paths, runoff generation and the associated transport of dissolved and particulate carbon from terrestrial environments to inland waters. By integrating model simulations with field observations, carbon concentration data and spatial catchment information, you will investigate how differences in climate, hydrology, soils, vegetation and landscape structure regulate carbon export. This profile suits a hydrological modeller with a strong background in catchment modelling, numerical methods and environmental data analysis, together with an interest in hydrology–carbon interactions in cold regions.
Profile B: Earth system modelling and lateral carbon transport
You will investigate how hydrological and biogeochemical processes regulate lateral carbon transport and its role in the carbon balance of Arctic, boreal and alpine ecosystems. You will combine Earth system and ecosystem models with hydrological simulations, field observations and spatial datasets to examine how carbon is mobilised and transferred from soils and terrestrial ecosystems to streams, rivers and lakes. You will assess how changes in climate, snow conditions, hydrological pathways and ecosystem processes affect carbon transport and terrestrial–aquatic carbon connectivity across northern landscapes. This profile suits a hydrologist, physical geographer, biogeochemist, ecosystem scientist or ecologist with strong numerical and programming skills and an understanding of carbon cycling and cold-region ecosystem processes.
The postdoctoral position is also linked to large-scale and long-term research in the water sector at the Flagship DIWA - Digital Waters, and SAFIRE - Safeguarding Biodiversity through Interdisciplinary Research on Habitat Restoration- a Profi8 programme at the University of Oulu, funded by the Research Council Finland. SAFIRE’s focus is the production of scientifically excellent and actionable knowledge on habitat restoration, especially in Arctic regions. The position is located at the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, in the Faculty of Technology. Our water research team includes 5 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, and groundwater research. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and supersites in Finland with a unique and developing infrastructure.
Your responsibilities
The responsibilities below are tailored to your chosen profile, with shared responsibilities common to both.
Shared responsibilities:
- Applying models to simulate water and nutrient fluxes, and feedback between terrestrial ecosystems and climate systems, focusing on Arctic and boreal environments.
- Combine numerical models, analyse large datasets, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Collaborating with SAFIRE profiling researchers, aiming to drive a paradigm shift in habitat restoration through transdisciplinary research and societal engagement.
- Participating in doctoral supervision and education.
- Collaborating with other postdoctoral researchers and senior staff.
In addition, for Profile A:
Develop and apply process-based hydrological models to simulate runoff generation, groundwater contributions and surface and subsurface flow paths controlling lateral carbon transport.
Use streamflow observations, carbon concentration data, spatial catchment information and uncertainty analysis to quantify carbon mobilisation, transport and export across contrasting northern and Arctic catchments.
In addition, for Profile B:
Investigate how climate-driven changes in snow, soil moisture, vegetation, hydrological connectivity and runoff affect lateral carbon fluxes between terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Couple or integrate hydrological, biogeochemical and ecosystem models to evaluate the role of lateral carbon transport in catchment-scale and regional carbon budgets.
What we offer
- The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as a researcher.
- Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
- Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
- Development and career options of the big organization.
- We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
- Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
- Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.
Who are you?
To succeed in the position, you are required to have:
- A relevant doctoral degree in hydrology, remote sensing, data science, environmental science, ecosystem science, ecology, physical geography or a related field. The doctoral degree must have been completed by the closing date for applications. The degree must have been obtained no more than 10 years ago.
- Ability to engage in independent scientific research.
- Teaching skills required for the position.
- Strong background in numerical modelling and data analysis.
- Experience with programming languages such as R, Python, Julia, Fortran or C/C++.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong experience in scientific writing and excellent communication skills.
We also appreciate the following:
- Experience with satellite remote sensing data and analyses.
- Experience with collecting and analysing drone imagery.
- Understanding of cold-ecosystem processes and nature, and experience with field measurements in cold regions.
- Familiarity with high-performance computing and environments.
- Experience in supervision or co-supervision of doctoral researchers.
- International experience and networking skills.
- Experience in proposal writing.
When assessing the candidate's merits for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community, as well as prior experience in working with cold-climate topics.
Salary
The position is a fixed-term position for 3 years, beginning on 1.2.2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.
The salary will be based on level 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities, depending on your qualifications. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Typical monthly salary for a post-doctoral researcher is 3700 - 4800 € (before taxes), depending on your experience and qualifications.
How to apply?
Apply online at the latest by December 13 2026 (23:59 Finnish time). The application should be written in English and include the following documents:
- A letter of motivation containing a short description of the research you propose to conduct in the position (max 2 pages)
- An academic Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
- List of 10 most important publications: select maximum of 10 scientific articles that highlight your research interests and competence and explain your role in them.
- Teaching and supervision experience (2 pages)
The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.
Contact Information
Professor Hannu Marttila, hannu.marttila@oulu.fi