PLEDGE is recruiting a Conservation Geneticist (Finland)

Job Advertisement: Project Researcher in genomics of endangered plant species

Duration: Fixed-term position lasting until 31.12.2028

Background

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

The role - Project researcher

We are now looking for a project researcher in genomics of endangered plant species in the PLEDGE project to join us in Biodiversity Unit (Botanical Gardens) for a fixed-term position lasting until 31.12.2028.

University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland, with a broad academic base. The Botanical Garden is part of the Biodiversity Unit and works in close collaboration with the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit. The Botanical Garden operates a dedicated micropropagation laboratory and cryopreservation facility and has extensive expertise in the ex situ conservation of threatened plant species. To date, more than 80 endangered native plant taxa have been successfully propagated, and the cryopreservation facility currently stores 34 plant species and 50 accessions of threatened plants. The Ecology and Genetics Research Unit has strong expertise and infrastructure in conservation and biodiversity genomics.

About the job

PLEDGE (Plants on the Edge) is an EU Interreg NPA project that addresses climate-driven biodiversity loss through the development of transnational ex situ conservation solutions for threatened plant species. The project brings together botanical gardens, conservation agencies and universities from Ireland, Iceland and Finland to develop seed banking, cryopreservation, micropropagation and conservation genomics approaches for safeguarding vulnerable plant populations.

As a Project Researcher in the project PLEDGE, you will use genomic approaches to support the ex-situ conservation of threatened plant species. Your work will focus on assessing genetic diversity within and among populations, identifying genetically important populations, and developing evidence-based collection strategies that maximise the genetic diversity preserved in seed banks, cryopreservation facilities and other ex situ collections. The project aims to build resilience against climate-driven biodiversity loss by developing transnational ex situ conservation solutions for threatened plant species across Finland, Iceland and Ireland.

Your responsibilities will include:

• DNA extraction and genotyping/sequencing of threatened plant species;

• Development and optimisation of molecular protocols;

• Bioinformatic processing and analysis of genetic and genomic data;

• Assessment of population genetic diversity and population structure;

• Preparation of scientific publications, reports and project deliverables;

• Collaboration with project partners in Finland, Iceland and Ireland.

The project may employ population genomic approaches such as SNP genotyping, reduced-representation sequencing, target capture, or whole-genome sequencing, depending on the study species and conservation objective

You will be a member of the Wildlife Genomics research group within the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit. The group conducts research in conservation genomics, environmental DNA, ancient DNA, biodiversity monitoring and evolutionary genetics, providing a stimulating research environment and opportunities for collaboration with researchers working on a wide range of organisms and conservation challenges.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we require from you:

• Doctoral degree in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biology, Bioinformatics or a closely related field

• Experience in molecular laboratory methods

• Demonstrated experience with genetic or genomic data analysis

• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of genetic or genomic datasets

• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team

• Excellent written and spoken English

The following will be considered an advantage:

• Experience in population genetics or conservation genetics

• Experience with next-generation sequencing data

• Experience with R, Python or Linux-based bioinformatic workflows

• Experience with plant genetics or plant conservation biology

• Scientific publication record relevant to the position

Salary

The position is fixed term starting from 1.1.2027 (or as agreed) until 31.12.2028.

The salary will be based on the level 9 of the demand level chart for other expert and support staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3700-4000 EUR per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position. 

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.11.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through the University of Oulu recruitment system (Link Below). Please attach a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, and contact details of two references.

https://oulunyliopisto.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:981695/ 

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates are also asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Jouni Aspi (jouni.aspi(at)oulu.fi).