Katriina Heikkila

The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary and international research university in Finland, invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in Epidemiology and Health Services Research. The position is based within the Research Unit for Population Health at the Faculty of Medicine, which hosts a vibrant community of researchers working across life course epidemiology, genetic, molecular and psychiatric epidemiology, occupational, environmental and oral health, and health services. This doctoral researcher role is part of the Health Dimensions initiative, funded by the Research Council of Finland. Health Dimensions aims to advance understanding and prevention of chronic diseases and multimorbidity by exploring molecular, physiological, environmental, behavioural, and societal mechanisms across the life course. The research focus for this position is Theme 2: Longitudinal Models of Multimorbidity, specifically examining how early life course stress and adversity contribute to the development of multimorbidity, including the co-occurrence of physical diseases and mental health conditions. The successful candidate will work with large and complex health datasets, including birth cohort studies (such as the Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986) and nationwide health and healthcare registers. Key responsibilities include cleaning and managing health data, applying advanced statistical modelling to investigate risks and development of multimorbidity, writing scientific articles for peer review, presenting findings at conferences, and collaborating with research group members in data analysis and research output production. The position offers a supportive and enthusiastic research team, career development opportunities in a multidisciplinary university setting, and flexibility for work-life balance. The University of Oulu holds the HR Excellence in Research label, reflecting its commitment to researcher development and working conditions. Finland is renowned for its high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Applicants should have a completed Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, data science, operational research, psychology, or another quantitative field before starting the doctoral research. Candidates must meet the University of Oulu Graduate School (UNIOGS) admissions criteria. Essential skills include a strong interest in life course epidemiology, initiative, teamwork, excellent analytical skills with statistical software (Stata, R, or Python), and strong communication skills in English. Research or data analysis experience is expected. Written and spoken Finnish and experience in scientific writing and presenting are appreciated but not required. The position is full-time, fixed-term for 3 years, starting on 3 August 2026 or as agreed. The starting gross salary is approximately 2600-3200 € per month, based on Finnish university demand level chart (levels 2-4) plus up to 50% personal performance component. A standard 6 month probationary period applies. To apply, submit your application online by 30 April 2026 through the University of Oulu recruitment system. Required documents include a cover letter (max 1 page), research proposal (max 2 pages), CV (max 2 pages), and contact details for 2-3 referees (at least one academic). Short-listed applicants will be asked to provide degree certificates (translated if necessary). Interviews will be held in early May 2026. The University of Oulu welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. For informal enquiries, contact Associate Professor Katriina Heikkila at [email protected].

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].

University of Oulu is advertising a post-doctoral researcher position in epidemiology / health services research within the Research Unit for Population Health at the Faculty of Medicine. The role sits in Health Dimensions , a multidisciplinary initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland , and focuses on the development of multimorbidity across the life course. The successful candidate will work with large nationwide health, healthcare, and sociodemographic datasets from Finland and other Nordic countries. Research topics include preterm birth , foetal growth restriction , other early-life exposures, childhood and adolescent multimorbidity, and the mechanisms linking prenatal and perinatal exposures to later chronic disease. The work involves advanced longitudinal modelling , time-to-event analysis , mediation analysis , and causal inference approaches. This opportunity is well suited to candidates with a doctoral degree in epidemiology, health services research, medical statistics, medicine, or another quantitative field. Applicants should have experience with electronic health records or administrative data, strong programming/statistical skills in Stata, SAS, R, or Python , a publication record, and excellent English communication skills. Finnish language skills are appreciated but not required. The position is fixed-term for two years , starting 1 September 2026 . The starting gross salary is approximately EUR 3900–4200 per month , with additional pay based on performance. The application deadline is 30 July 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time. To apply, submit the application through the Varbi portal with a cover letter, CV, publication list, referee contacts, and degree certificates. Interviews are expected in early August 2026.