Applications are invited for 1-3 fully funded PhD positions in Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. Positions will start on August 1st 2025 or as agreed, for a maximum of fixed term of four years.
The Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Science offers doctoral education in Aquatic Science, Ecology and Evolution Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology and Environmental Science. The selected Doctoral Researcher will be assigned to the appropriate research group in the Department.
Open PhD projects
1. Determining the mechanism causing intraspecific variation in fungal traits that impact carbon use efficiency in soils, supervisor Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros
Can a single fungal species vary its growth or metabolism? Does that variation impact carbon dynamics? We are looking for one student to address these unanswered, fundamental questions! Fungi play a crucial role in soil carbon dynamics by assimilating carbon during growth—which enhances soil carbon storage—and by releasing CO₂ through metabolism, and this project will answer these questions by measuring how Neurospora crassa adjusts its growth and metabolism in response to genetic differences and phenotypic plasticity. This project is an incredible research opportunity for a PhD student to significantly advance our understanding of fungal ecology and soil carbon dynamics. This PhD program is part of a larger Academy Research Fellowship project focused on predicting fungal contributions to carbon cycling based on their traits. It provides a unique opportunity to test the hypothesis—namely, that because fungi have an adaptable, non-centralized, web-like body, their growth is exceptionally variable. The PhD student chosen for this four-year project will be offered a unique balance of independent and structured work as she or he pursues four integrated objectives: (1) quantifying trait variation in N. crassa, (2) assessing phenotypic plasticity across conditions, (3) disentangling genetic vs. environmental contributions to trait variation, and (4) identifying genetic markers via GWAS. The PhD student chose for this project will gain essential transferrable skills in: (1) trait-based ecological theory; (2) handling living collections of fungi in the lab; (3) trait measurement in controlled environments; (4) advanced image analysis using MatLab; (5) analyzing complex data using R; and (6) Genome-Wide-Association Analysis (GWAS). This exciting opportunity will take place in a highly dynamic ecology lab at JYU and integrates foundational theory with technical, analytical, and cutting-edge methodological skills to address a global ecological concern.
2. The biodiversity drivers of soil microarthropods, supervisor Sten Anslan
We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to join our research project on soil biodiversity. This PhD project aims to uncover the drivers of soil microarthropod diversity and their role in regulating soil microbial communities. The candidate will employ techniques such as DNA metabarcoding, as well as microscopy and DNA barcoding to enhance the DNA reference library for soil microarthropods, facilitating high-throughput biomonitoring.
- For more information, please contact the project leader Sten Anslan
3. Land use change and browning of lakes - long-term impacts on lake biogeochemistry and communities, supervisor Minna Hiltunen
Browning of freshwater systems (i.e. increase in water color) due to increased leaching of organic matter and iron from the catchment has affected many lakes during the past few decades. One important driver of browning is land use change, for example logging, ditching, and peat mining in the catchment area of the lake. Browning can influence the structure and function of lakes in many ways, such as changing the elemental cycles, or decreasing the diversity and biomass of invertebrates and fish. This PhD project will study how forestry practices have influenced browning of lakes, and what kind of changes this has caused in lake biogeochemistry, production, and biological communities. The study will utilize lake sediment time series from lakes with different histories of forestry practices in their catchment, and investigate the trends of browning in these lakes during the past approximately 100 years. The study sites for the PhD project will be chosen based on GIS analyses and the land use history explored for example from old aerial photographs, remotely sensed forest loss, or historical land use maps. The collaboration network of the project, which includes the Research Council of Finland -funded project Hippicap at JYU, and researchers from Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE) and several universities in Canada, will provide state-of-the-art methodology for studying lake browning and valuable contacts for the PhD candidate. An eligible candidate should hold a Master’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, geosciences, or forest sciences.
- For more information, please contact the project leader Minna Hiltunen
4. Colorectal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Tumor Progression, supervisor Tiina Jokela
The project explores the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer, focusing on their impact on ECM remodeling, tissue stiffness, metastasis and overall cancer progression. Through multiplex immunohistochemistry, we will analyze CAF phenotypes and their interaction with tumor. Additionally, advanced techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) will be used to assess ECM changes and tissue stiffness. Combining these methods, the study aims to uncover how CAFs contribute to tumor progression and metastasis, providing potential therapeutic insights for colorectal cancer.
- For more information, please contact the project leader Tiina Jokela
5. Natural mucosal viromes in the health of vertebrates, supervisor Reetta Penttinen
In natural environments, bacteria are constantly accompanied by local viromes. These interactions are a key element in maintaining the structure and evolution of microbial communities. In vertebrates, the mucous layers in particular form a central interface for bacteria and phages to counteract. While the importance of mucosal microbiomes, such as those of the human gut, is well established, the role of mucosal virome on vertebrate health has remained poorly understood. In this PhD project, we attempt to address this question by studying the impact of mucins as well as antibiotic treatment on mucosal virome and on bacterial community. The main research questions of this PhD project are: 1) How does the presence of mucin or antibiotics modify the gut virome? 2) How is mucosal virome linked to vertebrate health and does it protect from bacterial pathogens? 3) Does the presence of mucin modify the interactions of phages and their bacterial hosts via CRISPR immunity? The project will utilize gut microcosms and zebra fish infection model to investigate the role of microbial interactions in vertebrate homeostasis.
6. Sustainability challenges in increasing wind power in forested landscapes, supervisor Johanna Yletyinen
The plan to significantly increase wind power construction in Finland’s forested areas has raised concerns about the diverse effects of wind farms on forest wildlife, land use, and local communities, including their role in the decision-making process. However, the negative local effects of wind farms are often defended by citing the critical role of wind energy in the national and global sustainability transformation strategies. This project will investigate the effects of wind farm installations in forests on the resilience of local social-ecological systems and develop an integrated social-ecological framework to guide sustainable wind farm development in forested landscapes. By emphasizing the multi-scalar nature of sustainability transformations, the project will develop solutions for balancing national wind energy goals with local environmental protection and community well-being.
Qualifications
An eligible candidate needs to have
- A Master’s degree, or are about to obtain a Master’s degree, in a relevant discipline.
- Strong interest to the research project you are applying to.
- Curiosity and interest in fundamental scientific questions.
- Ability and motivation to work as part of a team, combined with independence and problem-solving skills.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks.
The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. A good command of English is required. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied with a separate application from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.
We offer
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, University's International Staff Guide.
The initial annual salary will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please attach the following documents to the online application form in English and in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics willing to provide a reference
- A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position. It should be clearly identified the project which is applied for.
- Degree certificate (highest degree, or the date of completion the MSc)
- Other relevant documents (eg. English language test record)
At the end of the application form, select the project you are applying to. Research plan is not needed at this point. Applications sent via emails will not be considered.
For more information of the call, please contact professor Varpu Marjomäki, varpu.s.marjomaki@jyu.fi.
In recruitment, we follow the Code of Conduct and Recommendations for the Recruitment of Researchers as defined in the European Charter for Researchers European Charter for Researchers. The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and DORA-declaration. The application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process.
We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
