Multiple Postdoctoral Positions at the University of Helsinki, Finland (2026)
The positions are funded through the Research Council of Finland, the Kone Foundation, and the European Research Council (ERC) and are available for up to three years. Applications close on 7 August 2026.
About the Research Project
The successful candidates will join the research groups of Prof. Craig Primmer and Dr. Tutku Aykanat, internationally recognized experts in evolutionary genomics and conservation biology.
The research focuses on the Teno Atlantic salmon system, one of the world's best-studied salmon populations, to investigate how human activities and environmental change influence evolution, biodiversity, and fisheries management.
Researchers will also investigate the ongoing invasion of Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) across northern Europe and its ecological and evolutionary consequences.
Research Themes
Successful applicants may work on one or more of the following research areas.
1. Effects of Fisheries Management and Ecosystem Change
This project investigates how recent fishing regulations and ecosystem changes influence Atlantic salmon populations by examining changes in:
Life-history traits
Genetic variation
Population dynamics
Adaptive evolution
Researchers will integrate long-term ecological and genomic datasets to understand responses to environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
2. Sex-Specific Natural Selection in Atlantic Salmon
The project explores how environmental and human-induced changes affect males and females differently.
Research includes:
Long-term reproductive fitness analyses
Selection on life-history genes
Sex-specific evolutionary responses
Effects of fishing management
Influence of invasive Pink Salmon
This work combines evolutionary biology with conservation genetics.
3. Genetics of Pink Salmon Invasion
The third research theme focuses on understanding why invasive Pink Salmon have expanded successfully across northern river systems.
Research includes:
Whole-genome analyses
Structural genomic variation
Identification of adaptive genomic regions
Mechanisms promoting invasion success
The findings will contribute to invasive species management and conservation planning.
Research Environment
The positions are based within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Finland's largest centre for biological and environmental research.
The research team currently includes:
4 Postdoctoral Researchers
4 PhD Students
4 Research Assistants
representing nine different nationalities, providing a highly international and collaborative research environment.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualification
PhD in:
Evolutionary Biology
Ecology
Genetics
Conservation Biology
Genomics
Fisheries Science
Or a closely related discipline
Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to conduct independent scientific research.
Desired Expertise
The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following:
Evolutionary genomics
Population genetics
Conservation genomics
Ecology
Fisheries biology
Quantitative genetics
Bioinformatics
Evolutionary ecology
Experience with salmonids is beneficial but not required. Candidates with experience in other biological systems are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The successful researchers will:
Conduct independent research
Analyse genomic and ecological datasets
Collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams
Publish findings in leading international journals
Contribute to ongoing national and international research projects
Salary and Funding
Depending on the funding source, successful candidates will receive either:
University Salary
Approximately €3,700–€4,300 per month, depending on qualifications and previous research experience.
or
Kone Foundation Fellowship
A tax-free stipend of €3,200 per month, including pension and insurance contributions, with the possibility of an additional 10% salary supplement.
Contract Duration
Up to 3 years
Continuation depends on securing additional research funding.
Positions are available from 1 September 2026, although later start dates up to mid-2027 may be considered.
Why Choose the University of Helsinki?
The University of Helsinki is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education.
Highlights include:
Ranked among the Top 100 universities worldwide
Ranked 8th globally in Ecology
More than 40,000 students and researchers
Strong investment in life science research
Highly international academic environment
Why Finland?
Finland consistently ranks among the world's best countries for quality of life.
International researchers benefit from:
High-quality public healthcare
Free education (including English-language schools)
Affordable childcare
Generous family benefits
Excellent work-life balance
Safe living environment
Finland has repeatedly been ranked as the World's Happiest Country, while Helsinki is regularly listed among the world's most liveable cities.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit a single PDF containing:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Publication list
Contact details for at least two referees
One-page motivation letter describing:
Research interests
Preferred project theme(s)
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki's online recruitment system.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026 (23:59 EEST)
Interviews: 17–21 August 2026 (online)
Earliest Start Date: 1 September 2026
Contract Duration: Up to 3 years
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many postdoctoral positions are available?
Up to three postdoctoral positions are available within the Evolution, Conservation and Genomics research groups.
2. What research topics are covered?
The positions focus on:
Atlantic salmon evolutionary genomics
Fisheries management
Conservation genetics
Pink salmon invasion biology
Evolutionary ecology
3. Is previous salmon research required?
No. Experience with salmonids is advantageous but not essential. Strong expertise in relevant ecological or evolutionary research areas is more important.
4. What funding supports these positions?
The projects are funded by the Research Council of Finland, the Kone Foundation, and the European Research Council (ERC).
5. What salary is offered?
Researchers will receive either:
€3,700–€4,300/month salary, or
€3,200/month tax-free stipend, depending on the funding source.
6. How long are the appointments?
Appointments are available for up to three years, with possible continuation depending on future funding.
7. Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The University of Helsinki strongly encourages applications from researchers worldwide and actively promotes diversity and inclusion.
8. Is Finland a good destination for researchers?
Yes. Finland offers outstanding research infrastructure, excellent quality of life, affordable childcare, free education, comprehensive healthcare, and generous family benefits.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants should submit:
CV
Publication list
One-page motivation letter
Contact information for at least two referees
10. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 7 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Three Postdoctoral Positions in Salmonid Fish Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics and Conservation at the University of Helsinki provide an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in evolutionary biology, genomics, fisheries science, conservation, and ecological research. Working within internationally funded projects alongside leading scientists, successful candidates will contribute to globally significant research addressing biodiversity conservation, adaptive evolution, and sustainable fisheries management while building a strong international research career.
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