Doctoral Researcher in wearables and physical activity behavior, Faculty of Medicine - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

in wearables and physical activity behavior to join the multi-disciplinary research group of Wearables for Population Health led by tenure-track Assistant Professor Vahid Farrahi and Dr. Maisa Niemelä in the research unit of Health Science and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine.

The research unit of HST provides unique high-quality, socially influential health science and technology research and education. We are innovative experts in biomedical engineering and health sciences in the field of digital social and health care.

The research group of Wearables for Population Health is pioneering the development and design of innovative algorithms for wearable activity monitors, specifically tailored to assess 24-hour movement behaviors across diverse populations. The group utilizes advanced and innovative analytical methods to reveal the complex relationship between behaviors, health, and physical activity.

About the job

Wearable devices have been widely used in large-scale population-based studies to measure movement behaviors and assess their health impacts. Traditionally, parameters extracted from wearable device signals include time accumulated in sedentary behaviors, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity. However, these parameters may not be sufficient to fully describe the complex human movement behavior profile. In our project, FINNACT24, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland, our aim is to examine the associations between wearable-specific indicators of physical activity behavior and health markers.

As a doctoral researcher you will work in the fields of signal processing, wearable computing, and physical activity behaviors performing the following tasks to pursue your doctoral research: 

• Identify (from existing literature), propose, and compute wearable-specific indicators of activity behaviors in a large population-based study.
• Examine the associations wearable specific indicators of activity behaviors with health and markers and indicators
• Clean and process large volumes of wearable data
• Collaborating actively with other team members working in the same projects or on similar topics
• Collaborating actively in preparation of funding applications
• Writing research papers and your doctoral thesis
• Contributing to other academic tasks, such as course works and teaching activities.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 12 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is 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, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• A recent Master’s degree in health sciences, public health, information technology, computer sciences or other relevant field with good grades. The degree must be completed prior to beginning the employment.
• Experience and background in signal processing, statistical analysis, and excellent programming skills through research or course work
• Fluent written and oral English skills and good communication skills, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills are required.

We also appreciate

• Experience in working with cohort or population-based studies
• Experience in peer-review publishing in international journals as a significant plus.
• Experience in other academic tasks, such as course works, teaching activities and funding applications.
• Experience in working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Capacity to do research or teaching independently.
• Please see also the requirements of University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 1 years as of 1.3.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, with a possibility of extension.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15th of January 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans is valuable to provide here
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. A possible list of publications
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation
6. Other relevant attachments

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.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Assistant Professor & Research fellow Vahid Farrahi, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology,

email: Vahid.farrahi@oulu.fi