Doctoral researcher, Effects of biochar - fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth
About this role
The Department of Forest Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of a
Doctoral researcher, Effects of biochar - fertilizer combinations on tree seedling growth
The full-time position starts at the beginning of November 2026 or as agreed. The doctoral researcher is initially hired for 10 months. The doctoral researcher will be employed to carry out research in the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation funded project: "Biochar fertilizer combinations for efficient early-stage growth of planted tree seedlings". The successful candidate will determine the growth of tree seedlings in field experiments, and mechanisms of how biochar affects mineral versus organic N fertilizer uptake of seedlings in greenhouse experiments. Both experiments include laboratory work.
The doctoral researcher will be positioned in the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki, in the Soils and Climate Change Research Group led by Kristiina Karhu.
Requirements
- Eligibility for doctoral studies
- M.Sc. degree in a suitable field (e.g. Soil and Environmental Science/Soil chemistry, Biology, Forest Ecology, Forest Soil Science, Microbiology)
- Enthusiasm towards scientific research and eagerness to learn
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Good statistical analysis skills (Excel, SPSS, R or Matlab)
- Driver's license (required for field work)
- Capability to work both independently and in a research team, in the laboratory and in the field
- Preferably some experience in studying soil C and N cycling, such as experience in maintaining greenhouse experiments, experience in field and laboratory work. Experience in using 15N isotopes in studying soil processes would be desirable.
- Prior knowledge of biochar research and/or of boreal forest ecosystems is desirable
- Working language of the Soils and Climate Change Research Group ( https://www.helsinki.fi/en/resea