Assistant Professor of Educational Sciences
University of Helsinki
Finland

Institution: University of Helsinki
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Unit: Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)
Position Type: Postdoctoral Researcher / University Researcher
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
Location: Helsinki
Application Deadline: 10 August 2026 (23:59 Europe/Helsinki time)
Start Date: No later than January 2027

Position Overview

The Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher or University Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences.

The successful candidate will work on the EU-funded Destination Earth Climate Change Adaptation Digital Twin Project (Phase 3), where INAR is a contributing partner.

The project develops an operational climate simulation framework that combines kilometer-scale global climate models to generate climate projections and adaptation-related information.

The position focuses on evaluating Climate DT simulations through the direct use of Earth observation data. The research team has developed a novel observation-projection approach that enables model output to be compared directly with observations during and after simulations.

The researcher will join the Dynamic Meteorology Research Group led by Heikki Järvinen.

Research Responsibilities

Climate Model Evaluation

• Analyze Climate DT simulation outputs using direct Earth observations.
• Investigate systematic biases and errors in climate model simulations.
• Study fine-scale atmospheric processes at kilometer-scale resolution.
• Assess how model errors affect climate adaptation information.

Method Development

• Develop new observation-based evaluation methodologies.
• Improve and maintain the observation-projection workflow.
• Integrate additional observation datasets into the evaluation framework.

Technical Development

• Maintain and further develop Climate DT workflow systems.
• Work with:
  • Synoptic surface observations
  • Radiosonde observations
  • AMSU-A satellite radiance data
  • Potential future observation types

Collaboration

• Participate in international Climate DT activities.
• Attend project meetings and workshops across Europe.
• Collaborate with partners including:
  • European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
  • Barcelona Supercomputing Center
  • Alfred Wegener Institute

Required Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• PhD in:
  • Atmospheric Sciences, or
  • Another relevant discipline.
• Strong skills in:Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Weather and climate modelling
  • Python programming
  • Linux environments
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Desired Expertise

• Global observing systems.
• Climate model evaluation.
• Statistical data analysis.
• Machine learning applications.
• Scientific communication and presentation skills.

Additional Requirements for University Researcher Rank

• Active publication record.
• Evidence of independent research activity.
• Demonstrated scholarly contributions beyond doctoral work.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate should:

• Enjoy hands-on climate-model research.
• Be interested in observation-based climate evaluation.
• Think creatively and develop novel methodologies.
• Contribute complementary expertise and professional networks.
• Be comfortable working in an international research environment.

Research Environment

Research Group

The Dynamic Meteorology Research Group conducts research in:

• Atmospheric convection
• Extratropical cyclones
• Ensemble prediction
• Parameter estimation methods

The group's primary modelling platform is OpenIFS.

About INAR

Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) is a multidisciplinary research institute covering:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Meteorology
• Forest Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Social Sciences

Research spans topics from molecular-scale processes to global climate systems.

Salary & Benefits

Salary

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Approximately €4,000–€4,400/month

University Researcher

• Approximately €4,600–€5,000/month

Salary depends on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Occupational health care
• Health insurance
• Sports facilities
• Professional development opportunities
• Pedagogical training
• Leadership training
• International research environment

Living & Working in Finland

• Finland is consistently ranked among the best countries for families.
• High-quality public services and healthcare.
• Free education system.
• Helsinki is regularly ranked among the world's most livable cities.
• Strong scientific ecosystem and international research community.

Application Documents

Submit the following as one PDF file:

1. One-page motivation letter ("Why me?")
2. Maximum two-page statement explaining the relevance of your skills and competencies
3. Maximum four-page CV detailing relevant experience
4. Degree certificate (or proof of successful defense/scheduled defense)
5. Publication list

Application Process

Application Deadline: 10 August 2026

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Position may be filled before the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.
• Top-ranked candidates will be invited for interviews.

Contact

Professor Heikki Järvinen
Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)
Email: heikki.j.jarvinen@helsinki.fi

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