The Faculty of Social Sciences, INVEST Flagship and Research Centre at the University of Turku invites applications for a contract-based, fixed term position of a Project Researcher or Senior Researcher (post-doctoral position) from 1.1.2027 to 31.12.2029. Employment starts on 1.1.2027 or as agreed.
The recruited researcher will work in the RCoF-funded HIPES project (under the INVEST Flagship.
The HIPES project: Testing a Hypothesis of Inflated Prevalence of mental health problems, while Expanding it with a Social Lens
Over the past decades, extensive efforts (e.g., campaigns) have been made to improve public understanding and awareness of mental health problems. Paradoxically, over the same period, reported rates of mental health problems – especially anxiety and depression – have risen dramatically among young people. The prevalence inflation hypothesis suggests that awareness efforts may not only have improved recognition of existing problems but also, for some youth, led to overinterpretation of mild symptoms as disorders – thus inflating the prevalence estimates. Overinterpretation can be problematic, as it may trigger self-fulfilling prophecies and thus, worsen symptoms over time. The prevalence inflation hypothesis remains untested to date and overlooks the influence of adolescents’ proximal environments – school, peers, and parents. HIPES will collect various types of data (surveys, daily diaries, experiments, and interviews) to test how these proximal contexts shape adolescents’ accurate recognition versus overinterpretation, and how social interactions mediate the effects of overinterpretation on the aggravation of mental health problems.
Job description
This project is situated within the INVEST Psychology research group (led by prof. Christina Salmivalli), see https://invest.utu.fi/psychology/. We are seeking an applicant with strong motivation to plan and conduct high quality research (including designing studies, publishing papers, applying for grants, presenting at conferences), as well as skills for teamwork and collaboration.
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.
According to section 37 a person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.
Successful performance in the position requires:
a) a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. Those expected to acquire such a degree within six months are also eligible to apply.
b) ability to conduct independent research and experience with publishing in peer-reviewed journals
c) advanced skills in quantitative methods
d) excellent scientific writing skills in English
The eligibility requirements for the position must be fulfulled by the end of the application period for the position.
Desirable qualifications
- Knowledge and previous experience in conducting research on the specific topics related HIPES: mental health problems, adolescence, peers, parents, self-labelling, coping
- Experience with relevant methodology for the projects: longitudinal survey studies, daily diaries, social network analyses, and/or designing experiments
- Finnish language skills are considered an asset
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:
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level for the Senior Researcher position is OV05-OV06, while the job requirement level for the Project Researcher position is OV02-OV04. In addition, a personal performance-based salary component will be paid.
Depending on the successful candidate's previous experience and expertise, the monthly salary at the start of the employment will be approximately €3,800-4,600 for a Senior Researcher and €2,600-3,400 for a Project Researcher.
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 13.11.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.
Applicants must enclose with their application:
- a motivation letter (max 2 pages) in which the applicant describes their research interests and how their research interests relate to the HIPES project as well as the larger research group
- a CV (max 2 pages)
- a list of publications (with brief description of the applicant’s role in each publication)
- a “job market paper” (a published article or a manuscript) that best describes the applicant’s qualifications for the position and how she or he has contributed to the scientific literature
- copy or copies of diplomas (if the degree / degrees have not been completed at the University of Turku
- For those in the process of defending their thesis, a statement from the supervisor regarding the estimated date of the dissertation defense
- Letters of recommendation (with contact information) for the applicant from two prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with the applicant and their work
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Academy research fellow Lydia Wijnen, lalawi@utu.fi
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR specialist Laura Nieminen, laura.nieminen@utu.fi , +35829 450 4987
