Doctoral Researcher, Epidemiology / Health Services Research

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join a research group within the Research Unit for Population Health, a multidisciplinary research and teaching unit at the Faculty of Medicine. The Unit hosts researchers and groups conducting research in life course epidemiology, genetic, molecular and psychiatric epidemiology, occupational, environmental and oral health, as well as health services.

The doctoral researcher position is supported by Health Dimensions, a multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland. Health Dimensions explores 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 - molecular, physiological, environmental, behavioural and societal mechanisms across the life course.

About the job

The doctoral researcher position is set within Health Dimensions Theme 2, Longitudinal Models of Multimorbidity. The focus of the doctoral research is to examine the roles of early life course stress and adversity in the development of multimorbidity (e.g. the co-occurrence of physical diseases with mental health conditions). The research will use data from birth cohort studies (e.g. Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986) and/or longitudinal datasets from nationwide health and healthcare registers and sociodemographic data.

The key duties and responsibilities of the doctoral researcher candidate will include

• Cleaning and management of health and related data from longitudinal cohort studies and/or health and other registers
• Using advanced statistical modelling to examine the development and risks of multimorbidity, using large and complex health data
• Writing scientific articles and submitting these for peer review and publication
• Presenting research findings in scientific meetings and conferences
• Working with the other research group members in data analysis and management, and producing research outputs 

What we offer

• The support of a highly experienced and enthusiastic research team, with whom you can share and develop your expertise.
• Career development and learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary 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 strong interest in the study of trajectories, risks and developmental mechanisms for multimorbidity in the early part of the life course, as well as the ability to undertake independent research.

Entry requirements

• A good Master’s degree in a suitable field (e.g. public health, epidemiology, statistics, data science, operational research, psychology or other quantitative field). Your degree must be completed before beginning the doctoral research. 
• You must fulfil the University of Oulu admissions criteria for doctoral studies, outlined by the University of Oulu Graduate School (UNIOGS)

We expect you to demonstrate the following:

• A strong interest in life course epidemiology of multimorbidity, including physical and mental health
• Ability to take initiative and organise your work to an agreed timetable
• Ability to work in a team, together with senior and junior colleagues
• Excellent analytical skills and experience of using statistical software (e.g. Stata, R or Python)
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
• Work experience in research or data analytical setting

We also appreciate:

• Excellent written and spoken Finnish
• Experience of scientific writing and presenting your work to colleagues and stakeholders 

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years, starting on 3rd August 2026, or as agreed.

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. 2600-3200 € per month. The contract will include a standard 6 month probationary period.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by the 30th 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 a doctoral research fits in with your career aspirations, and how your interests and experience relate to Health Dimensions
2. A research proposal (maximum 2 pages), outlining your research plan. This will be used to evaluate your application and will not be binding.
3. CV (maximum 2 pages)
4. Contact details of 2-3 referees, at least one of whom must be able to comment on your academic performance

Interviews (in-person or remotely) are expected to be held in early May 2026. Short-listed applicants will be asked to provide copies of their Master's and first degree certificates (translated into English or Finnish if the degree was not taught in either of these languages).

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).