2 Postdoctoral Researchers, Epidemiology / Medical Statistics

We are now looking for

Two Postdoctoral Researchers

to join us in the Research Unit for Population Health, a multidisciplinary research and teaching unit at the Faculty of Medicine. The postdoctoral positions are set within Health Dimensions Theme 2, Longitudinal Models of Multimorbidity. Health Dimensions is a multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland. The research programme brings together researchers an groups exploring the complex, multidimensional nature of human health, with the aim to prevent chronic diseases and multimorbidity through a new level of understanding and acting on these dimensions - lifelong molecular, physiological, environmental, behavioural and societal mechanisms. 

About the job

The postdoctoral researchers will join a multi-disciplinary research group of experts working in life course epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology and clinical medicine. Together, we work on various projects exploring the development of multimorbidity across the life course, with the aim to promote health and well-being from prenatal period up to later life.

Both postdoctoral researchers will analyse large sets of nationwide health, healthcare and sociodemographic data from Finland and other Nordic countries to examine the roles of early life exposures (risk and resilience factors, as well as mechanisms) in the development of multimorbidity in the early part of the life course.

Position 1: The focus of this postdoctoral position will be on developing and applying statistical methods (e.g. machine learning and multistate survival models) to identifying disease patterns and investigating the mechanisms for the development of multimorbidity across the early part of life course.

Position 2: The focus of this postdoctoral position will be on investigating the roles of preterm birth and foetal growth restriction in the development of childhood and adolescent multimorbidity, and the mechanisms linking prenatal and perinatal exposures to subsequent multiple chronic diseases.

The key duties and responsibilities of both post-doctoral researchers will include

• Cleaning and management of health, healthcare and sociodemographic data from multiple nationwide registers
• Advanced statistical modelling in large and complex health and healthcare data
• Writing scientific articles and submitting these for peer review and publication
• Presenting research findings in scientific meetings and conferences
• Working together with research group members and collaborators in data analysis and management, as well as producing scientific outputs
• Contributing to preparing funding applications 

What we offer

• The support of a highly experienced and enthusiastic research team and Unit, with whom you can share and develop your expertise
• Career development and learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary, international university setting and within Health Dimensions research initiative 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working at University of Oulu
• University of Oulu has an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with a proven track record of independent research and a strong interest in the multidisciplinary study of trajectories and developmental mechanisms for multimorbidity across the early part of the life course.

We expect you to demonstrate the following:

• A doctoral degree in a suitable field (e.g. epidemiology, health services research, statistics, data science, operational research, psychology or other quantitative field)
• A strong interest in life course epidemiology of multimorbidity and analysing electronic health records and administrative data
• Solid analytical skills using statistical or programming software (e.g. Stata, SAS, R or Python)
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
• A track record of scientific publications
• Experience of presenting your work to colleagues and stakeholders
• Ability to take initiative, organise your work and complete tasks to an agreed timetable
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, with senior and junior colleagues

We also appreciate:

• Excellent written and spoken Finnish
• Experience in machine learning methods
• Experience of, or interest in, teaching and/or supervision in a higher education setting

Salary

The positions are fixed-term for two years, starting on 3^rd of August, 2026,or as agreed. Short-listed applicants will be asked to provide copies of their Master's and PhD degree certificates (translated into English or Finnish if the degrees were not completed in these languages).

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3900-4200 € per month.  The contract will include a standard 6 month probationary period.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by the 30^th of April, 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter (maximum 1 page), including details of how the post-doctoral position fits in with your career aspirations, and your interests and experience in data analysis, epidemiology of chronic diseases and working with large and complex health data
2. CV (maximum 2 pages)
3. List of publications
4. Contact details of 2-3 referees, at least one of whom must be your previous employer / research supervisor

Interviews (in-person or remotely) are expected to be held in early May 2026.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural and ethnic groups. University of Oulu is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Contact Information

For questions or informal enquiries, please contact Associate Professor Katriina Heikkila (katriina.heikkila[at]oulu.fi).