Deadline for applications 28.5.2026 at 15:00
Are you interested in the research and monitoring of the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea and European marine areas? Do you want to increase scientific knowledge to support decision-making on the protection and sustainable use of marine areas?
We are recruiting a fixed-term Senior researcher for the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) for the period 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2027, or starting as agreed.
Your task will be to lead and carry out research, development, and monitoring projects related to marine protection and sustainable use. A central assignment concerns monitoring eelgrass and seagrass habitats. You will act as the thematic lead for the “Seagrass habitats” component of the EBOCC consortium project (European Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre), where you will analyse the data value chain of this key biodiversity variable within the EU and provide thematic support to the project’s tasks.
You will also work on projects related to marine protection, quantitative marine ecology, and the development of biodiversity monitoring in marine environments. You will produce scientific publications and reports and participate in stakeholder-oriented communication.
The position is based in the Marine Ecology Group within Syke’s Nature Solutions Unit. The group conducts interdisciplinary research on marine protection and sustainable use of marine areas and supports the implementation of international marine conservation obligations. It coordinates the Finnish inventory programme for underwater marine diversity environment (VELMU) and improves the processing and use of underwater data. The group is involved in both international and national projects investigating marine biodiversity. It produces scientific knowledge to support decision-making on ecologically valuable marine areas (species, habitats) and the targeting of conservation measures at national (ministries, municipalities, stakeholders), Baltic Sea (HELCOM), and European levels (ETC/EEA, EU). The group also conducts research on avoiding environmental impacts, for example in relation to offshore wind power.
The position is based in Helsinki within the Nature Solutions Unit. Syke also has offices in Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. We offer modern working conditions in a multi-space working environment.
A doctoral degree in a natural science field (e.g., biology, marine ecology) provides the best foundation for success in this task. We expect you to have strong understanding and research experience on eelgrass habitats and their monitoring. The work requires expertise in marine ecology, biodiversity monitoring and datasets, spatial modelling methods, as well as analytical skills (quantitative marine ecology methods/applied statistical competence) and experience in scientific writing.
We value personal qualities such as initiative, proactiveness, good interaction skills, and motivation to contribute to collaborative work.
Experience working in broad networks, as well as expertise in other species groups and habitat types, will be considered an advantage.
Good proficiency in English is required for this position.
- English
- Speaking: Good
- Writing: Good
- Understanding: Good
Syke has a culture that supports learning and offers the opportunity for versatile competence development. We have flexible working hours and flexible remote working practices. We offer sports and culture benefits, subsidised lunch in contract canteens and comprehensive occupational health care.
The person selected for the position might need to undergo concise security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.
Marko Järvinen, Group manager
+358 400 148 758
marko.jarvinen@syke.fi
We primarily request that applications be submitted electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you may also apply for this position by submitting your application to the registry office’s postal address. The ID number of the position applied for must be clearly stated both in the application and on the envelope. The application must be received by the end of the application period. Late applications will not be considered. Application documents will not be returned. Based on the information provided in the application documents, including education, work experience, and other relevant factors, applicants will be selected for interviews. Eligibility requirements will also be assessed with regard to the expected qualification.
Finnish Environment Institute registry
Latokartanonkaari 11
00790 Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) is a national research institute dedicated to building a sustainable society through science, knowledge, and services. Our research and development work is solution-driven, and we pursue high-impact results with ambition. We operate multidisciplinarily and collaborate extensively with partners in Finland and around the world.
We work to halt biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change, and improve environmental quality. Our research develops innovative solutions to sustainability challenges across energy systems, food systems, production systems, land use, and the built environment. We place strong emphasis on the fairness, acceptability, and economic sustainability of the green transition, as well as societal security and resilience. We recognize that meaningful sustainability transitions require coherent and long-term policy action.
Syke encourages creativity and experimentation, especially when developing new research-based solutions. We value constructive collaboration, diversity, and inclusive working practices. Approximately 650 researchers and experts work at Syke’s offices in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. A significant share of our work is enabled through competitive project funding.
Helsinki
You can work at one of our following locations
Latokartanonkaari 11
00790 Helsinki
Open in Google Maps
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More information:
In addition to ordinary application documents, applicants are requested to include a short motivation letter and a CV.
Interviews are planned to be held during the weeks 22-23.
Fairness, responsibility, community, independence, and reliability are our core values. We actively promote diversity and equal opportunities and welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds.
Syke is committed to comply with the national open science policy in researcher recruiting. Syke is also committed to the responsible evaluation of research and have defined the principles for evaluating research at Syke.
Additional information:
Web pages: www.syke.fi
Instagram: @sykeresearch
Linkedin: Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) - Level of position: Specialists
- Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
- Description of the remote work: We work in a hybrid work model with remote work in Finland, and perform on-site work at Syke’s premises at least eight days a month according to Syke’s guidelines.
- Reason for fixed-term employment: Temporary post
- Working time format: Office working hours
- Working time format explanation: flexible working hours
- Trial period: Maximum a six-month probationary period may be applied to the position.
- Remuneration information: The total salary for the person starting in the position is, depending on skills and experience, is EUR 4603-4873 per month. The position falls within the Syke salary system’s demand level 12, where the job-specific salary component is EUR 3864 per month. In addition, a performance-based salary component is paid, which for a starting person is generally 19.1% of the job-specific salary, as well as an experience component based on relevant work experience (15 or 20 years), which is up to 7% of the job-specific salary. The salary at UEF is at the same level.