2 Postdoctoral Researchers in Epidemiology and Medical Statistics University of Oulu in Finland

The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary and international research university in Finland, is seeking two Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Research Unit for Population Health within the Faculty of Medicine. These positions are part of the Health Dimensions Theme 2, focusing on Longitudinal Models of Multimorbidity, a research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland. The Health Dimensions programme unites experts from diverse fields to explore the complex, multidimensional nature of human health, aiming to prevent chronic diseases and multimorbidity by understanding lifelong molecular, physiological, environmental, behavioural, and societal mechanisms.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team working in life course epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, and clinical medicine. The group investigates the development of multimorbidity across the life course, promoting health and well-being from the prenatal period through later life. Both positions involve analyzing large sets of nationwide health, healthcare, and sociodemographic data from Finland and other Nordic countries, examining early life exposures and their roles in the development of multimorbidity.

Position 1 centers on developing and applying advanced statistical methods, including machine learning and multistate survival models, to identify disease patterns and investigate mechanisms underlying multimorbidity in early life. Position 2 focuses on the impact of preterm birth and foetal growth restriction on childhood and adolescent multimorbidity, exploring links between prenatal and perinatal exposures and subsequent chronic diseases.

Key responsibilities include cleaning and managing health and sociodemographic data from multiple nationwide registers, advanced statistical modelling, writing and submitting scientific articles, presenting research at conferences, collaborating with team members and external partners, and contributing to funding applications. The University of Oulu offers a supportive and enthusiastic research environment, career development opportunities, and a flexible workplace that values work-life balance. The institution holds the HR Excellence in Research label, reflecting its commitment to researchers’ working conditions and careers.

Applicants should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field (epidemiology, health services research, statistics, data science, operational research, psychology, or other quantitative discipline), strong interest in life course epidemiology and multimorbidity, experience with electronic health records and administrative data, proficiency in statistical or programming software (Stata, SAS, R, Python), excellent English communication skills, a record of scientific publications, and experience presenting research. Initiative, organizational skills, and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are essential. Additional assets include proficiency in Finnish, experience with machine learning, and interest in teaching or supervision.

The positions are full-time, fixed-term for two years, starting August 3, 2026, or as agreed. The starting gross salary is approximately 3900-4200 € per month, based on Finnish university salary levels, with an additional performance-based component. A standard 6-month probationary period applies. Short-listed candidates must provide degree certificates (translated if not in English or Finnish).

Applications should be submitted online in English by April 30, 2026, including a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and contact details for 2-3 referees. Interviews will be held in early May 2026. The University of Oulu is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

For informal enquiries, contact Associate Professor Katriina Heikkila at [email protected].