Research Assistant

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for three Research Assistant positions in the School of Forest Sciences. The positions will be filled from 1 June 2026 (or as agreed) to 31 August 2026. For more information and to submit your application no later than 16 February 2026, please see below.

We are seeking three Research Assistants to work on research projects on peatland ecology in the School of Forest Sciences of the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology in summer 2026. Their work tasks will be related to several projects in the Peatland and Soil Ecology Research Group (Peat&Trees) and to the ICOS network, including the Centre of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration.

Our main themes are peatland vegetation and greenhouse gas fluxes in the changing climate and the impacts of peatland restoration on vegetation and carbon gas fluxes.

• Vegetation inventories, leaf area measurements and measurement of plant functional traits.
• Greenhouse gas measurement using the chamber technique and data processing.
• Additional tasks may include work related to an art installation in the peatland during the summer.

The research assistants will work on field tasks for one or more projects, as agreed. Positions are suitable for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students of forest sciences. The work tasks will be carried out in the vicinity of Hyytiälä and in North Karelia, primarily at the Hyytiälä Forest Research Station in Juupajoki. Nearby sites include the Siikaneva pristine peatland research site (ICOS network), a long‑term climate change experiment at Lakkasuo, and a peatland restoration site at Viheriäisenneva.

We offer you an opportunity to work as part of an international research group and to become familiar with different research projects and methods. Data collected can be used in a Master’s thesis at the University of Eastern Finland, in which case the job title and salary will be determined separately.

The positions are a fixed term of three months (1 June 2026 – 31 August 2026). A trial period is applied to all new members of staff. The approximate monthly salary is EUR 2 325.

• Higher education studies in a related field (forestry, biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or physical geography).
• Good English language skills.
• Valid driving licence (Category B) and driving experience.
• Interest in peatland ecology.
• Ability to conduct independent field work.

• Species identification skills of peatland plants and experience in GHG exchange measurements.
• Willingness to prepare a Master’s thesis based on the collected data.

• Extensive occupational health care.
• A broad selection of staff training.
• Staff discount on lunch in campus restaurants and other services.
• Affordable sports services.

Please read more in the “Work at UEF” section on our website.

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 16 February 2026.

• CV
• Copy of your transcript of records
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your background, interest in peatland ecology and/or ecological restoration, and ability to conduct independent field work.
• Other documents to demonstrate your merits for the position.

For further information about the position, contact Professor Eeva‑Stiina Tuittila (phone +358 29 4453535, e‑mail eeva‑stiina.tuittila) or Assistant Professor Anna Laine‑Petäjäkangas (phone +358 29 4453477, e‑mail anna.laine-petajakangas).

For information on the application procedure, contact HR Specialist Iiris Korhonen (e‑mail iiris.korhonen, tel. +358 29 4458161).

The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology operates on the Kuopio and Joensuu campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. The faculty supports international research and research‑education in natural sciences, forestry and technology.

University of Eastern Finland is a multidisciplinary university in Finland, employing approximately 3 200 employees and serving ~17 000 degree students and 16 000 adult education students. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Contract:

Fixed term, full‑time. Number of positions:
3. Employment rate: 100 %.

Location:

Joensuu, Region:
Pohjois‑Karjala, Country:
Finland. Announcement number: 198/01.01.04/2026. Published: 2026‑01‑23. Final date to receive applications: 2026‑02‑16.