Doctoral or Postdoctoral Researcher in Cognitive Psychology / Cognitive Neuroscience

We are now looking for

Doctoral and/or Postdoctoral Researcher (1-3)

to join us in the Unit of Psychology at the Faculty of Education and Psychology.

About the job

Research topic relates to cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, more specifically developing and applying new technologies (e.g. mixed reality, movement- and biosensing, remote cognitive testing, mobile EEG) for studying neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ADHD, autism, learning disorders) with the aim to clinically validate the methods and promote their translation to healthcare. The positions are funded from Research Council of Finland project 'VR2Real: Precision diagnostics for developmental disorders'. Objectives of the project relate to 1) differentiating clinical conditions based on rich data (computationally oriented), 2) studying attention deficits in different real-world contexts (home, school, social interaction), 3) discovering the neural mechanisms underlying attention deficits as they manifest in lifelike situations, and 4) characterizing the developmental trajectories of attention deficits.

In VR2Real project your responsibilities depending on the role (doctoral or post doctoral researcher) include, participating to designing and implementing the experiments, collecting behavioral and neurophysiological data, coordination of the studies at different stages, data analysis, and reporting the research findings. You will be part of a multidisciplinary research group supporting the project from various angles (psychology, neuroscience, signal analysis, computational methods).

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team 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 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. 
• 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?

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

• Master's (doctoral researcher) or PhD (post doctoral researcher) degree in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, engineering, computer science or other relevant field.
• Background in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience or behavioral methods.
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• IT and communication skills
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills (required for collecting data in Finnish speaking children)
• Experience in mixed reality and online behavioral testing in research (data collecting, analysis, reporting) or other expertise relevant to the project objectives (see above)
• Early career track record including publications or other outputs in the related field
• In case your background is in psychology or medicine:
  • Established connection to healthcare (psychiatry or neurology)
  • Expertise on developmental disorders and related clinical and research methods
  • Experience with function-led behavioral methods
  • Existing plan connected to the project goals
• In case your background is in engineering or computer science:
  
  • Computational methods related to behavioral and/or neuroscience
  • Experience with naturalistic neuroscience (e.g., VR, mEEG)

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2-3 years as of 1.11.2025 or soon thereafter (e.g. 1.1.2026).

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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary of a PhD student will be approx. 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes) and for post doctoral researcher approx. 3500-4500 € per month. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 2.10.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. List of publications (if any)
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

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 Professor Juha Salmitaival (aka Salmi), Unit of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, juha.salmitaival@oulu.fi.