Postdoctoral Researcher in environmental research in epidemiology, TRIGGER project, Research Unit...

The North changes the world – we at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields. 

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to work for the Horizon Europe project TRIGGER  (Solutions for Mitigating Climate-Induced Health Threats) at the Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu.

The faculty and the research group

The successful candidate will work in the research group of Life-course Epidemiology (Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine) and with researchers involved in climate-related health research. We represent a multidisciplinary team with expertise in life-course modelling, exposome, biostatistics, social epidemiology and molecular mediations (epigenetics). Together, we aim at exploring the causal mechanisms linking the individual exposome to trajectories at risk for cardio-metabolic, -respiratory and -vascular diseases. Our researchers are developing their research on the  longitudinal birth cohorts of Northern Finland (the Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986 ) and complementary cohorts and data from the EU Child Cohort Network and the H2020-LongITools project. Our group at the faculty of Medicine also offer opportunity to teach to international master level students in epidemiology and biomedical data science (EBDS ).

Open position

The postdoctoral position is funded for three years from the Horizon Europe funded TRIGGER project. The project overall aims to deepen the current understanding of how changing climate (meteorological conditions and air pollution) affect cardio-vascular and -respiratory health and the ecosystems and translate this knowledge in co-designing mitigation measures to reduce the impact of climate change on health (and vice versa). We are seeking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in modelling the influence of climate change (weather parameters, air pollution, pollen), and its association with the trajectory of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases taking into account population vulnerabilities.

Qualification requirements

We are welcoming candidates with a doctoral degree and with significant experience in fields of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or related research areas applicable for the research themes. Doctoral researchers near completion can also apply. We seek for candidate with scientific curiosity and skills in environmental exposure data modelling. Skills longitudinal studies and teaching are also appreciated. The successful candidate will join an international multidisciplinary team and is therefore required to possess excellent communication skills in English (oral and writing).

What we offer

You will receive support not only from your team and supervisor, but also from university´s wide variety of support services, so that you can excel in your research and work. In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as occupational healthcare, affordable sport services and regular salary payments for 12 months / year.

The position is filled for a three-year period, beginning on 1 January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Salary

The salary of selected researcher will be set on level 5-6 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration is given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is between 3100 - 4000 € per month (before taxes) depending on the qualification.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by December 1st , 2022, 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)     List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/ [with three most important indicated]

4)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All the candidates will be informed.

Further information

For further information, please contact Professor Sylvain Sebert, [email protected] , +358 503 440 842,
Dr Anna Pulakka, [email protected] or
Associate Professor Tiina Ikäheimo, [email protected]
all from Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Population Health.

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Living in Oulu is easy – everything is only max. 20 minutes away! Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu