Postdoctoral researcher, Lifecourse medicine, Faculty of Medicine

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher

to join us in Clinical Medicine Research Unit at the Faculty of Medicine in the lifecourse medicine research group. The group studies the effects of early life exposures, in particular preterm or small for gestational age birth, on lifelong health and well-being, using data from Nordic healthcare registers and clinical birth cohort studies in high and low resource settings.

About the job

The EU-funded IMPROVE Preterm consortium project aims to compare the outcomes of different prenatal or neonatal treatments to improve the outcomes of preterm birth. The focus of the project is to use and develop quasi-experimental methods to allow for comparisons that are not feasible in randomized trials. This will include design of quasi-experimental settings, including documentation of historical variations in treatment guidelines or practices between regions or countries, and data analysis utilizing these designs as predictors of child and adult health and societal outcomes. The work will be done in Nordic social and healthcare register data in collaboration with Nordic partners and in clinical birth cohort data in collaboration from partners from across Europe and elsewhere.

As a postdoctoral researcher in the IMPROVE Preterm project, you will

• Document changes in specific prenatal and neonatal treatments across time and between participating countries and regions using published literature including guidelines and expert statements and assessments of their implementation, direct assessment from datasets, supplemented by other sources such as interviews.
• In consultation with statistical and other experts, prepare data analysis plans, clean data and conduct statistical analyses.
• Disseminate research findings by reporting on them within the EU consortium and scientific community as conference presentations and scientific publications.
• Interact with stakeholders including guideline bodies, operative actors in healthcare and patient or parent organisations.
• While this is predominantly a research position, you may also take part in undergraduate or postgraduate teaching related to your expertise, including supervision of masters or doctoral theses.
• Take part in applications of external funding.
• Take part in other activities of the EU consortium and the research group such as organization of meetings and taking care of meeting minutes

What we offer?

• The support of a diverse, experienced and enthusiastic research group at the international top of the research area, 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 here.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 addition to standard research skills at a late doctoral or postdoctoral level, the job requires familiarity and understanding of healthcare routines, practices and everyday decision-making in Finland and other Nordic countries. In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as health sciences of medicine, or be at a late stage of doctoral studies in a corresponding field
• Have substantial experience in clinical and/or administrative positions in clinical healthcare
• Be able to understand written Finnish and Scandinavian languages. Ability to converse in Finnish will be considered an advantage.
• Have experience on Nordic and other international collaboration
• Have good collaboration and coordination skills and be able to stick to schedules

We also appreciate familiarity in lifecourse epidemiology and the research area.

Salary

The position is fixed-term from 1^st of February 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, until 31^st of December 2028.

The salary will be based on the levels OV04-OV05 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities, depending on experience. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3100-3600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 3.1.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Application with a brief statement on why you are interested in this post and why you should be selected.
2. CV
3. List of publications
4. Contact details of two references

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 different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Eero Kajantie, +358 50 473 9438, eero.kajantie@oulu.fi or Academy Research Fellow Johanna Metsälä, +358 40 507 8868