Research Director, Aquatic Sciences

Research Director, Aquatic Sciences

University of Jyväskylä

Konnevesi, Finland

The research director is required to have strong and broad scientific expertise, with emphasis on aquatic sciences, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. The research could include, for example, the unique characteristics of inland waters, such as the interactions between catchment areas and water bodies, and the specific characteristics of aquatic biota. As Research Director, you will develop research and teaching in biological and environmental sciences as part of the academic staff of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and be responsible for the research station's finances, marketing, and operational development to be an inspiring and modern hub for research, teaching, and conferences.

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences has a broad scope, focusing on understanding the basic mechanisms of biological phenomena from the molecular and cellular level to the functioning of biological communities and ecosystems and the effects of human activity on organisms and the environment. The department's research is based on three areas of strength: sustainable use of natural resources, evolutionary research, and biological nanoscience. Our research is characterized by an open-minded approach that combines different fields of biology and environmental sciences and emphasizes empirical research. Basic and applied research naturally go hand in hand, as exemplified by projects on the structure and functioning of aquatic food webs, the potential risks of new bioplastic materials in the aquatic environment, and the combination of artificial intelligence and citizen science in nature observation. Teaching is based on research conducted at the department, and courses combine a theoretical approach with practical training, for example in laboratory and field courses. The Konnevesi Research Station plays a central role in the department's research and education activities, particularly due to its extensive experimental research facilities and active social interaction.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Research Director to strengthen and develop the Konnevesi Research Station and the research of the Department of Biological and Environmental Science with innovative approach. The Research Director will promote the networking of the station both nationally and internationally. We are looking for a person with diverse experience and expertise in research and teaching in the following fields, for example: the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, the health of aquatic organisms, waterway and catchment area research, evolutionary ecology, fish biology, and fish stock assessment. Applicants are required to have strong experience in managing both research projects and people, in obtaining competitive research funding, and in active publishing. Financial and marketing skills are considered an advantage.

In addition to managing and developing the Konnevesi Research Station, the research director is expected to conduct their own high-level research that supports teaching and to be competitive in applying for research funding. As director of the Konnevesi Research Station, you will have the opportunity to participate actively in, for example, the international INAR RI Ecosystems network and the national research station network (RESTAT). The position includes field and lecture teaching in environmental and aquatic sciences, thesis supervision, and coordination of these activities as part of the biological and environmental sciences study program. A good command of English and the ability to teach in English is required.