Postdoctoral Researcher, Genetic Epidemiology and Omics of Aging

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Research Unit for Population Health, a multidisciplinary research unit at the Faculty of Medicine. The postdoctoral position is set within Health Dimensions Theme 1, Multidimensional Mapping of Disease. Health Dimensions is a multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland. The research programme brings together researchers an groups exploring 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 - lifelong molecular, physiological, environmental, behavioural and societal mechanisms. 

About the job

The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary research group with expertise in genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, gerontology, clinical medicine, and life‑course health research. Our team investigates the biological (genetics and other omics) determinants of aging, with a particular focus on healthspan, frailty, and age‑related multimorbidity.

In this position, you will work with large-scale genomic, biomarker, and nationwide register data from Finland and other Nordic countries to uncover genetic and molecular mechanisms that shape aging trajectories. The project aims to analyze omics data (e.g., genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) with Mendelian randomization and machine learning methods with longitudinal health and healthcare information to identify pathways influencing vulnerability, resilience, and health decline across the life course.

Key focus areas

• Investigating genetic and molecular determinants of frailty, healthspan, and age‑related diseases
• Applying advanced statistical, bioinformatic, and machine learning methods to multi‑omics and population‑level data
• Characterizing biological pathways and risk profiles that contribute to heterogeneity in aging and vulnerability

Key duties and responsibilities

• Conducting advanced statistical and computational analyses in large and complex datasets
• Leading and contributing to scientific manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals
• Presenting research findings at scientific meetings and conferences
• Collaborating closely with research group members and external partners in data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination
• Contributing to the preparation of research funding applications 

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• 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 proven track record of independent research and a strong interest in genetic epidemiology, omics research, and/or bioinformatics as well as a keen interest into health in aging/biological aging.

We expect you to demonstrate the following:

• A doctoral degree in a suitable field (e.g. genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, statistics, data science, or other quantitative field)
• A strong interest in the biological determinants of health in aging/biological aging
• Solid analytical skills using statistical or programming software (e.g. R, Stata and/or Python)
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
• A track record of scientific publications
• Experience of presenting your work to colleagues and stakeholders
• Ability to take initiative, organise your work and complete tasks to an agreed timetable
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, with senior and junior colleagues

We also appreciate:

• Excellent written and spoken Finnish
• Experience in causal inference (e.g. Mendelian randomization) and machine learning methods
• Experience of, or interest in, teaching and/or supervision in a higher education setting

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 1 year as of 01.09.2026 or as agreed.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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. 3700-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.05.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter (maximum one page)
2. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Contact details of 2-3 referees, at least one of whom must be your previous employer/research supervisor

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 all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Associate Professor Juulia Jylhävä, (juulia.jylhava[at]oulu.fi).