Postdoctoral Researcher on Social and Genetic Determinants and Health Consequences of Obesity

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institute in the social sciences, and the country’s most diverse social sciences faculty in terms of the range of its disciplines and fields of research. The Faculty has a strong international research profile and an international master’s programme, and several of its disciplinary units have been rated among the top 50 in the world. The faculty has approximately 500 research and teaching staff, and each year it awards some 350 bachelor’s degrees, 400 master’s degrees and more than 40 doctoral degrees.

The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for the position of
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
for a fixed term period of 4 years, starting as agreed.

The position is jointly funded by EU projects for Professors Karri Silventoinen and Pekka Martikainen. The project aims to analyze social and genetic determinants, their mutual interactions and health consequences of body mass index and other obesity related traits. The project utilizes large data sets including twin and family data, molecular-level data and population register data.

The main task of the appointed researcher is to design and conduct quantitative research jointly with the research team. The major research themes in the projects are related to quantitative genetics (including quantitative twin modeling and genetic risk score data), large population registers and demographic models. Additionally, the researcher is expected to actively contribute to teaching in the master’s program in demography (up to 5% annually) and other research activities of the Unit.
QUALIFICATIONS
The appointee to the position must hold a doctoral degree in demography, public health, statistical sociology, data sciences, statistics, population genetics or other relevant field, have strong quantitative methods skills and an excellent command of written English. The default assumption is that the degree requirement must be met by the beginning of employment.
The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides assistance in relocation.

WHAT WE OFFER

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. €42,000 – €50,000, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information can be obtained online . The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.   

Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see the website .
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply now. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP Fiori portal at https://msap. sap.helsinki.fi. The closing date for applications is 26 March 2024.
The following English-language documents must be enclosed with applications (please compile all documents as a single pdf file):
1) A curriculum vitae, 2) A statement (max 1 page) outlining applicants research experience and interests, and 3) A numbered list of publications.

Detailed information on the CV and list of publications can be obtained online .

FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information about the position and the research project may be obtained from Professor Karri Silventoinen ([email protected]).
In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact [email protected].