Research assistant, Impact of climate change on respiratory health over four decades

We are now looking for a

Research Assistant

to join us at the Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research (CERH), Research Unit of Population Health (PopH) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu. The research activities are carried out under the “Impact of climate change on respiratory health over four decades” project, funded by the Sakari Alhopuro Foundation.

Brief description of the unit

Research Unit of Population Health (PopH) is a research and teaching unit that approaches questions related to human health through different disciplines. The main goal of CERH is to assess the health impact and burden of disease from exposures to global environmental change. CERH comprises a multidisciplinary group of researchers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical medicine, biology, genetics, environmental sciences, ecology, geography, and anthropology. CERH applies multidisciplinary, complementary research methodologies to empirically evaluate the impact of the most relevant environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, air pollution, and housing factors, on public health. The research provides insight into mechanisms, clinical significance, susceptibility-related actors, and long-term influence of global environmental change on human health.

About the job

The project “Impact of climate change on respiratory health over four decades” includes one position for a research assistant with a degree of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Health Care, Bachelor of Science (Biology, Geography), or in a relevant field.

The activities to be carried out in this project are mainly related to the follow-up of three Finnish cohorts. The tasks will be carried out together with the research team: (1) design and development a questionnaire (online and on paper) based on the previous cohorts’ surveys; (2) write and prepare the documents (i.e., information about the project and follow-up, informed consent, and questionnaires); (3) being in contact with the study participants; (4) and collaborate in the statistical analysis and writing of scientific manuscripts resulting from the project.

The workplace is located at the Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research (CERH), Research Unit of Population Health (PopH) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, and carried out under the supervision of the project’s principal investigator Inês Paciência.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as a researcher.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• University of Oulu has an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.

Who are you?

You are expected to have the ability to work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and participate in various research activities.
Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, health sciences, health care, science (biology, geography), or in a relevant field.
• Fluent in written and spoken Finnish and English.
• Communication skills will be essential to contact the participants.
• Computer skills.
• Interest in research.

We also appreciate

• Skills in statistical analysis.
• Experience in teamwork. 

Salary

The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The position is a fixed-term for 12 months, starting as soon as possible and ending at the latest on 31.8.2026. The salary will be based on level 1 of the demand level chart for Finnish universities' university-level teaching and research staff.  The salary will be approximately 2250€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 14.09.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. The application must be written in English and include the following attachments:
     1. Cover letter (max. 1 page), which should include an introduction of yourself and your background, and motivation related to this position.
     2. CV (max. 2 pages)
     3. Certificates: Scanned electronic copies of all pages of your diplomas and/or certificates of relevant courses.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact [PI, Inês Paciência, Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research (CERH), Research Unit of Population Health (PopH) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, ines.paciencia@oulu.fi]