Doctoral Researcher in Prenatal Origins of Mental Health

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in Clinical Medicine Research Unit at the Faculty of Medicine in close cooperation with Developmental Psychology Research Group at the University of Helsinki. The group studies the effects of prenatal life exposures on mental health using data from clinical birth cohort studies. 

About the job

The Research Council of Finland project ‘Maternal stress during pregnancy and mental disorders in children: opportunities for prevention and intervention’ aims to study:

1. longitudinal associations between maternal prenatal stress and child mental health outcomes
2. maternal-fetal metabolic mechanisms that may underpin the associations between maternal psychosocial stress and child mental health outcomes
3. maternal positive mental health factors as protective factors and factors that may mitigate the effects of maternal psychosocial stress on child mental health

The project uses longitudinal data collected in the frames of three Finnish birth cohort studies.

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. 
• 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?

The ideal candidate: 

• Holds a Masters degree in a relevant field such as health sciences, epidemiology and/or biostatistics
• Possesses strong expertise in the field of epidemiology, including study designs, causal inference, understanding of confounding/effect modification/mediation
• Has experience in statistical data analysis in at least one of the following statistical packages: Stata, SAS, or R.
• Has a high motivation to complete a doctoral degree and is able to stick to the schedule

We also appreciate familiarity with analytical approaches applied in the field of omics.

Salary

The position is fixed-term from as soon as possible until 31 August 2027. 

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 will be approx. 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.4.2025 (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. 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.

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 Research Council of Finland research fellow Polina Girchenko, polina.girchenko@oulu.fi