Doctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Ecology of Arctic Phytoplankton

Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a fixed-term salaried position as Doctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Ecology of Arctic Phytoplankton, within the Research Council of Finland-funded project on “Climate-driven Dispersal, risk or potential for Arctic diversity”.

The position is full-time, and the preferred starting date is as soon as possible, but no later than 1 January 2027. The position concerns employment until the project ends, 31 August 2030. The position is located in Turku, Finland and carried out at the Marine and Environmental Biology unit within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AND THE PROJECT
The project addresses the “intraspecific diversity black box” by moving from identifying patterns to uncovering the processes that shape intraspecific diversity under global warming:

Global warming is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem change, but its impacts are not uniform across the globe. In the Arctic, for example, climate change is progressing at an accelerated pace, leading to rapid shifts in species distributions and ecosystem functioning driven by poleward expansion of Atlantic waters and with it dispersal of temperate species. While these changes are documented at the species level, their effects on intraspecific diversity, genetic and phenotypic variation within species, remain poorly understood. Yet, intraspecific diversity plays a critical role in ecosystem resilience and function.

Phytoplankton, which form the base of marine food webs, are particularly relevant in this context. Their wide distribution ranges, high dispersal capacity, and rapid life cycles make them both capable of northward expansions and rapid adaptation under climate change. However, while their adaptive potential has been widely studied in laboratory settings, the role of dispersal in shaping evolutionary outcomes remains largely unexplored. Conversely, models predicting future Arctic primary production often assume poleward shift of species based on thermal optima, without accounting for the adaptive capacity of local populations. This mismatch highlights the need to better understand how dispersal and adaptation interact to shape intraspecific diversity under climate change.

This project addresses this gap by focusing on the ecologically important diatom genus Thalassiosira. We combine field sampling, controlled laboratory and community experiments, eco-evolutionary modelling, and state-of-the-art genetic tools to detect shifts in genotype composition and link them to trait variation and ecosystem function. The project is structured into three interconnected work packages. WP1 provides a descriptive understanding of dispersal and population structure. WP2 investigates Arctic seasonality as a potential constraint on the northward expansion of temperate strains. WP3 explores the mechanisms through which warming and dispersal alter intraspecific diversity and examines the resulting impacts on community functioning. 

The doctoral researcher’s dissertation will primarily be based on work conducted in WP2 and WP3 and will focus on the research questions: “Do temperate diatom strains persist across seasons in Arctic environments?” and “Does climate change weaken local adaptation and promote dispersal, with consequences for intraspecific diversity and community resilience?”. To address these questions, the successful candidate will plan and conduct Arctic fieldwork and seasonal sampling in Greenland, isolate and culture phytoplankton strains, perform molecular and population genetic analyses, and carry out experiments investigating the effects of warming and dispersal on phytoplankton populations and communities. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape part of their doctoral research by developing a complementary project aligned with their expertise and scientific interests, forming one chapter of the PhD thesis.

Furthermore, the successful candidate will join an international research network spanning Finland, Germany, and Greenland. The project includes close collaboration with researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI, Germany), the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR, Greenland), the University of Turku, and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, Germany). These collaborations provide opportunities for Arctic fieldwork, international laboratory exchanges, and specialised training in molecular methods, population genetics, phytoplankton ecology, and eco-evolutionary research, enabling the candidate to broaden their scientific expertise and develop a strong international network.

WORK TASKS
The doctoral researcher’s primary task is to work on the doctoral thesis, as well as to contribute to the activities of the project. The central work tasks include data collection, data management, and analysis, scientific writing and publishing, communicating research findings, and contributing to the development of the project’s research. The recruited person will be a part of an international research team and collaborate on various activities around evolutionary ecology. 

We offer you a social and independent job on an international and interdisciplinary project in a dynamic and pleasant work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND MERITS
We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral researcher and are particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate enthusiasm for combining ecology, evolution, and genetics to address questions related to climate change and biodiversity in Arctic marine ecosystems. 

Required qualifications

The successful candidate must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in marine biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in marine ecology, climate change biology, biodiversity research, and/or evolutionary ecology.
• Have good quantitative and analytical skills.
• Have strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Have good collaboration skills and ability to work both independently and as part of an international research team.
• Show strong motivation to pursue doctoral studies and contribute to all aspects of the project, including field sampling in the Arctic, laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific publishing.

Meriting qualifications

Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply as these approaches form a central component of the project (but are not mandatory):

• Molecular laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, microsatellite genotyping, amplicon sequencing, metabarcoding, or related methods. 
• Bioinformatic analysis of genetic data. 
• Statistical analyses and programming in R.

The following qualifications will also be considered an advantage:

• Background in phytoplankton ecology, arctic ecology, sea ice ecology.
• Experience in conducting experiments.
• Experience with sterile laboratory work and cultivation of phytoplankton.
• Experience with microscopy, including phytoplankton identification and cell counting.
• Knowledge of eco-evolutionary processes, and concepts such as adaptation, dispersal ecology, biodiversity, or biodiversity-function relationships.

The applications are assessed based on the aforementioned criteria and qualifications, as well as possible interviews. 

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s potential for development and competencies, and in relation to the necessary qualities to successfully carry out the tasks for the position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The doctoral researcher’s primary task is to work on the doctoral thesis, as well as to contribute to the activities of the project. Teaching tasks and supervision can comprise a maximum of 5% of the work time.

The primary workplace is located at Åbo Akademi University’s campus in Turku, where regular campus presence is expected by the doctoral researcher. The principle of total work time (1612 hours per year) is applied to all research staff at the university, including employed doctoral researchers. The supervision and study plan for doctoral researchers will be evaluated annually. 

The salary for doctoral researchers is determined according to requirement levels 2–4 for teaching and research staff. Currently, the starting salary for a new doctoral researcher is approximately €2,700 per month. The salary will be adjusted as the dissertation work progresses, reaching approximately €3,500 per month as the doctoral researcher approaches the completion of the doctoral degree.

The selected candidate will be employed from the earliest possible starting date, but no later than 1 January 2027. The position is fixed-term and will end on 31 August 2030 when the project ends. A trial period of six months applies to new employees.

Please note, that upon acceptance, a separate application process for admission to a doctoral programme at ÅAU is required. 

APPLICATION
Submit your application by 30 September 2026 at 15:00 (Finnish time) via the electronic application form on the University’s web page. See Instructions on electronic applications and their appendices for technical assistance.

 The following appendices must be attached to the application (in English):

1. Copies of diplomas (BA and MA), including transcripts of records.
2. Motivation letter / research statement (maximum two A4 pages) describing:

• the applicant’s research interests, academic background, and previous experience;
• how these have contributed to their academic and professional development;
• how their interests and experience relate to the project;
• how the proposed doctoral research would contribute to the project; and 
• how the doctoral researcher position would complement and further develop the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and previous experience.

The description should be clearly related to the project and will be evaluated accordingly.

1. Contact details for two referees.
2. A CV, composed according to the template by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity, including a list of publications.

BENEFITS
Join our dynamic and innovative international community by seizing the opportunity we present. As a member of the Åbo Akademi University staff, you will gain access to various competitive benefits. These include occupational health care services, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a multicultural and friendly work environment. To learn more about working at Åbo Akademi University please explore further information on https://www.abo.fi/en/about-abo-akademi-university/come-work-with-us/abo-akademi-university-as-employer/ 

INFORMATION
For further information on the position and the project, please contact Giannina Hattich, Principal Investigator, e-mail giannina.hattich[a]abo.fi, or about the recruitment process HR Specialist Sabina Ringvall, sabina.ringvall[a]abo.fi.