Zoology

The Zoology Unit, a part of the Finnish Museum of Natural History, is a scientific research unit specializing on animal species diversity. The research includes studies on systematics, taxonomy, zoogeography as well as faunal surveys and monitoring projects.

• Insects (entomology)
• Invertebrates other than insects
• Vertebrates
• Monitoring Team
• Ringing Centre

The Zoology Unit takes care of the scientific collections of the Zoolocical Museum, which currently comprise about nine million animal specimens and samples. Tens of thousands of specimens are added every year. The collections are primarily used in research of animal taxonomy and systematics, and also for teaching purposes and environmental studies.

The original collections consisted of donations by the Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica to the University of Helsinki in 1858. Today the collections mainly increase by material coming from research expeditions, research projects and donations.

Apart from the biological specimens, the museum houses large observational databases and archives. The directing unit of Finland's bird ringing research, Ringing Centre, is also located here. The museum shares a molecular systematics laboratory (MES laboratory) with the Department of Biosciences of the University. Services provided by the museum include expert advise to individuals, businesses and the government.

Position now open:

Curator of vertebrates or invertebrates (excluding insects) - closing date 6 February