Doctoral Researcher in Archaeobotany

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher in Archaeobotany

for a fixed-term position of 36 months in the Research Council of Finland-funded project NeoPlant: “ Neolithic Plant Use, Cultivation and Cultural Roles of Plants in Finland, ca. 3000-1500 BCE”. The position is based at the Faculty of Arts & Cultures at the Department of Archeology, University of Helsinki in Finland, and the successful candidate will join the research group led by Dr. Mia Lempiäinen-Avci.

About the project

NeoPlant investigates one of the major transformations in human history: the transition from hunting and gathering to food production and farming. The project focuses on Neolithic Finland, where hunting, fishing and gathering continued to play an important role while new practices related to cultivation, animal husbandry and food production gradually emerged.

The project examines how plants were used during this transition and what archaeobotanical evidence can reveal about changing subsistence strategies, environments and everyday life. Particular attention is paid to exceptionally well-preserved archaeological contexts, including wetland sites, which provide new possibilities for studying plant use in prehistoric northern Europe.

NeoPlant combines archaeobotanical analysis of plant macroremains with archaeological and natural-scientific approaches, including radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analyses and ancient DNA. The project aims to develop a more detailed understanding of when, how and under what circumstances cultivation became part of human subsistence strategies in Finland.

About the position

The Doctoral Researcher will conduct an independent PhD project within the broader research framework of NeoPlant. The precise research questions and focus of the doctoral dissertation will be developed together with the Principal Investigator, taking into account the successful candidate’s expertise and research interests. The doctoral project is expected to have archaeobotanical plant macroremain analysis as its primary methodological approach.

The researcher will work particularly with archaeological plant remains and datasets from Neolithic contexts in Finland and will participate in the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of archaeobotanical material.

The main tasks include

• conducting doctoral research within the themes of the NeoPlant project;

• analysing and identifying archaeological plant macroremains;

• participating in archaeological sampling and sample processing;

• managing and analysing archaeobotanical and archaeological datasets;

• integrating archaeobotanical results with other archaeological and natural-scientific evidence;

• publishing research results in international peer-reviewed journals;

• presenting research at national and international conferences;

• participating in the activities, meetings and collaborative work of the NeoPlant research group; and

• completing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki.

Training in specialised archaeobotanical methods will be provided where necessary.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated researcher interested in archaeobotany, prehistoric archaeology and human–plant relationships.

The successful candidate is expected to have

• a Master’s degree or equivalent in archaeology, archaeobotany, palaeoecology, biology, environmental archaeology or another relevant discipline;

• a strong interest in prehistoric plant use and the transition from hunting and gathering to farming;

• the ability and motivation to undertake doctoral research and complete a PhD within the project period;

• good written and spoken English;

• the ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

Previous experience in archaeobotanical analysis, particularly the identification of plant macroremains, is considered an advantage but is not an absolute requirement. Experience in archaeological fieldwork, laboratory work, microscopy, quantitative methods, GIS, palaeoecological methods or other relevant natural-scientific approaches is also considered an asset.

Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is not required.

Research environment

The successful candidate will become part of an interdisciplinary research environment combining archaeology, archaeobotany and natural-scientific approaches to the human past. The NeoPlant project collaborates with researchers in Finland and internationally and provides opportunities for methodological training, research visits, conference participation and international networking.

The researcher will have access to archaeobotanical laboratory facilities and comparative botanical collections required for the identification of plant macroremains.

The project values a collaborative research culture in which team members contribute to the development of research questions, methods and interpretations across disciplinary boundaries.

E mployment

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 36 months.

The employment will follow the terms and salary system of the University of Helsinki, being between 3400-3900 euros per month. The position includes a 6  month trial period in accordance with the University of Helsinki regulations.

The preferred starting date is 1.1.2027 , or as agreed.

How to apply

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki recruitment system.

The application should include

• a motivation letter describing your research interests, relevant experience and reasons for applying for the position (maximum 2 pages);

• a curriculum vitae;

• a list of publications, if applicable;

• a copy of your Master’s degree certificate and transcript of studies; and

• contact information for two academic referees.

In the motivation letter, applicants are encouraged to briefly describe what aspects of Neolithic plant use, subsistence or the transition to farming they would be particularly interested in investigating within the NeoPlant project. A complete doctoral research proposal is not required at the application stage.

The deadline for applications is 30.11.2026 (23:59PM).

Please note: Another doctoral researcher position in archaeobotany is expected to open in spring 2027 as part of the ERC-funded PlantStories project, led by Dr Mia Lempiäinen-Avci. PlantStories investigates the roles of plants in everyday life and society in medieval northern Europe, with a particular focus on rye and buckwheat. Candidates interested in archaeobotany and human–plant relationships are encouraged to keep an eye out for this upcoming opportunity.

For further information about the position(s) and the NeoPlant project, please contact:

Dr. Mia Lempiäinen-Avci Principal Investigator, NeoPlant Faculty of Humanities, Department of Cultures

Archaeology University of Helsinki

Finland mia.m.lempiainen-avci@helsinki.fi