Would you like to study how children are exposed to biodiversity and how it affects their immunological development and health? Do you have expertise in immunology, biodiversity and/or health research? Are you interested in preparing a doctoral thesis?
We search a researcher for temporary position, from 1st of September, 2025 untill 28th of February, 2029. The position primarily seeks a researcher who will work on a PhD thesis on the studied topics during the assignment.
Your task is to carry out diverse research tasks, starting from the collection of samples and ending with the publication of research results. The task is primarily intended for a researcher who would work on a doctoral thesis on the research topic. At the beginning of the task, you will focus on compiling existing scientific evidence and coordinating and implementing sample collection. In the following stages, you will analyze the produced data and publish high-quality scientific articles on the research results. In addition, you will communicate the research findings to the international research community, for example, at scientific conferences.
The multidisciplinary Residents and Biofants research projects coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute investigate the connection between biodiversity in everyday environments and children's health. In particular, they focus on the impact of biodiversity on the development of the immune system in infants and on their later risk of developing immune-mediated diseases. The projects utilize, for example, DNA-based biodiversity monitoring (eDNA) and proteomics, as well as epidemiological methods and statistical modeling.
The applicant will prepare a dissertation plan together with the supervisor at Syke and apply for postgraduate study rights from a suitable university. Associated studies can be completed as part of a job assignment.
The evaluation of the role will depend on the breadth of the experience and skills of the person selected and their ability to perform the aspects of the role independently.
The researcher will work in the Urban Nature Group in the Built environment Solutions unit. The position will be based in the Helsinki office, as the practical implementation of the research requires presence in Helsinki and the surrounding areas. We work in an open space office and activity-based environment, but flexible remote working is our working standard today.
Would you like to study how children are exposed to biodiversity and how it affects their immunological development and health? Do you have expertise in immunology, biodiversity and/or health research? Are you interested in preparing a doctoral thesis?
We search a researcher for temporary position, from 1st of September, 2025 untill 28th of February, 2029.
Your task is to carry out diverse research tasks, starting from the collection of samples and ending with the publication of research results. The task is primarily intended for a researcher who would work on a doctoral thesis on the research topic. At the beginning of the task, you will focus on compiling existing scientific evidence and coordinating and implementing sample collection. In the following stages, you will analyze the produced data and publish high-quality scientific articles on the research results. In addition, you will communicate the research findings to the international research community, for example, at scientific conferences.
The multidisciplinary Residents and Biofants research projects coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute investigate the connection between biodiversity in everyday environments and children's health. In particular, they focus on the impact of biodiversity on the development of the immune system in infants and on their later risk of developing immune-mediated diseases. The projects utilize, for example, DNA-based biodiversity monitoring (eDNA) and proteomics, as well as epidemiological methods and statistical modeling.
The applicant will prepare a dissertation plan together with the supervisor at Syke and apply for postgraduate study rights from a suitable university. Associated studies can be completed as part of a job assignment.
The evaluation of the role will depend on the breadth of the experience and skills of the person selected and their ability to perform the aspects of the role independently.
The researcher will work in the Urban Nature Group in the Built environment Solutions unit. The position will be based in the Helsinki office, as the practical implementation of the research requires presence in Helsinki and the surrounding areas. We work in an open space office and activity-based environment, but flexible remote working is our working standard today.
The successful applicant must have a master's degree in immunology, ecology, molecular biology, microbiology, epidemiology, health research or a similar scientific field. Applicant must have expertise in a research field that is central to the research project, either through education or previous work experience. The applicant must aslo have at least basic skills in statistical analysis.
We expect the selected person to be prepared to work independently and at the same time be part of a multidisciplinary and international research team. We value active participation in various tasks of the project, good interpersonal skills and cooperation skills. Applicant must also have an interest in a scientific career and preparing a doctoral thesis.
The applicant must have excellent English language skills. Knowledge of Finnish is an advantage, but not necessary.
The applicant must be prepared to travel within Uusimaa area, Finland, during sample collection and participate in international scientific conferences.
We consider it an advantage if the applicant has previous experience in scientific work. Applicant can also demonstrate competence in coordination, teamwork skills, scientific writing, or other research tasks in other ways.
- English
- Speaking: Excellent
- Writing: Excellent
- Understanding: Excellent
- Finnish
- Speaking: -
- Writing: -
- Understanding: -
The Finnish Environment Institute Syke has a culture that supports new learning and the opportunity for diverse competence development. We have flexible working hours and flexible teleworking practices. We offer sports and cultural benefits, subsidized lunch in contract canteens, and comprehensive occupational health care.
Jenni Lehtimäki, principal researcher
+358 503 050 007
jenni.lehtimaki@syke.fi
Kati Vierikko, group manager
+358 29 525 20 84
kati.vierikko@syke.fi
Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.
Finnish Environment Institute registry
Latokartanonkaari 11
00790 Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) supports the building of a sustainable society with research, information, and services. We bear global responsibility and ambitiously seek to make an impact. Society needs immediate decisions to build a better world fairly and cross-generationally. We offer our expertise for this change.
We are working to halt biodiversity loss and climate change. We promote a sustainable circular economy and urban structure, as well as a good state of the seas and inland waters. Our search for new, research-based solutions is creative and enthusiastic. We value constructive teamwork and the diversity of our work community: we invest in equality. Syke is a state research institute with 700 experts and researchers working in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. Our research is largely funded through competitive research funding instruments.
Location
Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki
You can work at one of our following locations
Latokartanonkaari 11
00790 Helsinki
Other information of the position
Interviews are planned to be held on 16-18th June, 2025.
Equality, equity, and mutual respect among employees are our core values. We consciously promote diversity and equity within our staff, and we welcome applications from candidates with various backgrounds.
Syke is committed to comply with the national open science policy in researcher recruiting.
Additional information:
Web pages: www.syke.fi
Instagram: @sykeresearch
Linkedin: Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
