The Faculty of social sciences, INVEST Flagship and research centre at the University of Turku invites applications for contract-based, fixed term position of senior researcher from 1.10.2026 to 31.8.2027 Employment starts on 1.10.2026 or as agreed.
The CAUSALTIME project develops new methods for causal inference based on panel and register data, with a particular focus on the study of social science phenomena. The methods focus on accounting for and quantifying uncertainty in the estimation of intervention effects and causal mechanisms, often leveraging Bayesian inference methods.
Job description
The selected researcher will be responsible for:
- Theoretical methodological development related to extensions of hidden Markov models
- Statistical software development
- Designing and writing scientific articles as part of a multidisciplinary research team
- The position may also involve applied research using Finnish population register data
Who we are looking for
Requirements
According to the University of Turku rules of procedure, section 36: A person selected for the post of senior research fellow is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work. For the post of a senior research fellow on the third step of the teaching and research staff career structure, evidence of scientific research work and the necessary teaching skills are also required. For the post of a senior researcher on the second step of the teaching and research staff career structure, an individual with a higher university degree and especially strong practical expertise in the field in question can also be appointed.
The eligibility requirements for the position include a relevant doctoral degree, for example in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or economics, as well as the ability to conduct independent scientific research.
Successful performance in the position requires:
- Experience in statistical methodology development
- Strong programming skills, particularly in R
- A strong publication record in international journals in statistics, computer science, or the social sciences
- Excellent spoken and written English skills
The eligibility requirements for the position must be fulfilled by the end of the application period for the position.
Desirable qualifications
- Experience in Bayesian modelling, for example using the Stan language or NIMBLE
- Familiarity with hidden Markov models and structural causal models
- Experience with numerical optimization methods
- Familiarity with the C++ programming language
- Experience in analysing large longitudinal datasets
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
- Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
- Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
- We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time.
- An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level of the position is OV05-OV06 In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately n 3870 – 4670 euros/month at the beginning of the assignment.
The position has a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 9.9.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applicants should enclose with their application:
- cover letter including a short description of applicant’s relevant skills and the motivation for this post
- CV
- list of publications
- Certificate of doctoral degree.
- other documents that may influence the filling of the position
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: senior researcher, Jouni Helske, jouni.helske@utu.fi
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR specialist Laura Nieminen, laura.nieminen@utu.fi , +35829 450 4987
