Postdoctoral Researcher, Human Genetics University of Eastern Finland in Finland

The University of Eastern Finland is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Human Genetics for a fixed-term, full-time position at the Kuopio Campus in Finland. The post is based in the Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, and is part of the Research Council of Finland–funded project Functional Genomics of Glucocorticoid-induced comorbidities (FUNGO), led by University Lecturer Einari Niskanen.

The project investigates how genetic variation shapes individual responses to glucocorticoids, widely used anti-inflammatory drugs that can also cause serious long-term adverse effects such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Using data from the large FinnGen study, the team aims to identify genetic variants associated with glucocorticoid-related adverse outcomes and connect large-scale genomic discovery with functional validation. The work sits at the intersection of human genetics, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and translational biomedicine.

The successful candidate will conduct research focused on GWAS, polygenic risk score analyses, and integrative analyses combining omics, GWAS, and health register data. Additional responsibilities include contributing to scientific reporting and publications, and collaborating with experimental researchers on functional follow-up studies. The role offers access to unique Finnish population data and an international, collaborative research environment with close links between computational and wet-lab research.

Applicants should have a doctoral degree in genetics, bioinformatics, biomedicine, molecular biology, or a closely related field, with substantial genomics or bioinformatics experience if the background is in biomedicine or molecular biology. Required skills include analysis of large-scale genomic variation data, proficiency in R/Python, statistical methods, and excellent English. Experience with FinnGen or other biobank and health register datasets, statistical genetics, polygenic modelling, and research on drug responses or adverse drug effects is considered advantageous.

The position starts on 1 September 2026 (or as agreed), runs for 2 years, and is fixed-term because it is tied to a specific project. Salary follows the Finnish university salary system and is expected to be approximately EUR 3,560–4,050 per month at the beginning of employment.

Applications must be submitted via the electronic application form by 4 August 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time. Required attachments include a CV with contact details for at least two referees, publication list, degree certificates/diplomas, proof of language proficiency if applicable, and a one-page motivation letter including a short development plan. For project-related questions, contact Einari Niskanen at [email protected].