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MSCA FutureForests Doctoral Network Researcher in Tree water and carbon dynamics in forests under elevated air humidity and soil moisture (Fixed term), University of Tartu, EE.

The FutureForests Doctoral Network is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s Actions (MSCA) initiative, which aims to train 15 next generation scientists in assessing the impacts of global change on European forests utilising a unique network of European flagship field forest facilities covering the dominant forest types and regions (dry Mediterranean, temperate and boreal) in Europe. FutureForests connects nine manipulation facilities for addressing emerging research questions and engages >20 academic and associated partners (NGOs, Industry & Government organizations) for delivering an interdisciplinary, integrated and transferable career skills programme.

Individual projects within the FutureForests programme maps into four key interrelated science objectives with a focus on assessing responses of 1) tree functional processes including leaf metabolism, growth, C and water relations, 2) soil processes including nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics, 3) impacts of global change on biodiversity and tree vulnerability to pest and diseases, and, 4) advancing modelling of forest responses to climate extremes and fire risk reduction. FutureForests combines excellent trainings for doctoral researchers, diverse supervisions and international mobility for impactful research to benefit society and the economy and to inform forest policies under the EU Green Deal and international climate mitigation efforts (Paris Climate Agreement, 2015). FutureForests is to provide next generation scientists with skills and knowledge “most wanted” in academic and non-academic employability sectors.

This junior research fellow position at the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences at the University of Tartu, EE focuses on assessing the effects of elevated humidity and concomitant factors (foliage wetting, temperature decline, soil water excess) on boreal tree species functioning and growth in the Free Air Humidity Manipulation (FAHM) experiment facility.

Key objectives of this studentship are to elucidate the effect of elevated air humidity, soil water content, and foliar wetting on 1) whole-tree hydraulics and water relations, 2) carbon uptake and respiration (leaves and fine-roots), 3) biomass allocation and growth. Complementary analysis at selected manipulation facilities in Switzerland (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) and EPFL, Lausanne) and United Kingdom (University of Birmingham) will be undertaken to compare [CO₂], recurrent droughts and vapour pressure deficits’ impacts on plant growth and carbon dynamics under global change.

In terms of experience, we are looking for someone with a relevant background and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Biogeochemistry, Biology or related disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication skills, self-motivation, an aptitude for field research and a commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must not have a doctoral degree (PhD) by the recruitment date
• Should comply with the MSCA mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (Jan 2026).
• Can be of any nationality
• Must hold a Master’s degree by the start date (Jan 2026).
• Should be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project
• Good English proficiency and writing skills
• Be available to start full time from January 2026

Benefits:

• Full employment contract with competitive salary for three years.
• Living allowance (€3717.27/month pre-adjustment) in the EE, mobility allowance (€710/month), and family allowance if applicable (€495/month) adjusted for the cost of living in the host country (in this case EE).
• Access to state-of-the-art forest manipulation facilities, laboratories and expert supervision.
• International secondments and training events.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position by contacting Dr. Priit Kupper (Priit.Kupper@ut.ee). Applications should be submitted by October 30, 2025 (midnight CEST) and should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A max wo-page cover letter for the applicant vision for the selected project and how they see meeting the essential criteria of the project
3. BSc and MSc diplomas along with their translations in English
4. If available, links to the scientific publications, degree or diploma theses.
5. Contact details of at least two academic or professional references.

For additional information about the research project and this individual position, please contact Dr. Priit Kupper (Priit.Kupper@ut.ee).