**Job Description**
The Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral researcher for a 4-year project, TERMITOSPHERE, focused on investigating methane and nitrogen interactions and their links to environmental parameters within African termite mounds. The project, funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Dr. Risto Vesala, aims to understand the role of termites in greenhouse gas fluxes and nitrogen cycling in African semi-arid savannas, challenging common views by exploring their role as methane sinks and the potential of microorganisms to introduce atmospheric nitrogen into dryland ecosystems. The research integrates gas flux measurements, field and laboratory experiments, and stable isotope analyses to understand key biogeochemical processes.
**Skills & Abilities**
• Strong interest in biogeochemical processes and cycles
• Good proficiency in written and spoken English
• Curiosity
• Self-motivation
• Good cooperation and interaction skills
• Ability to conduct independent scientific reasoning
• Willingness and ability to spend extended periods in Kenya, working in remote field settings and challenging conditions
• Prior knowledge and experience in working with gaseous samples (merit)
• Stable isotope research (merit)
• Related data analysis (merit)
**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, completed by the end of 2025
• Right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki (by start of appointment or within six-month probationary period)
**Experience**
Other:
• Prior knowledge and experience in working with gaseous samples, stable isotope research, or related data analysis are considered merits.
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