Postdoctoral researcher in Biology

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for 14-month fixed term postdoctoral researcher position at the Department of Biology. Employment starts as soon as possible or as agreed.

We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher in the NetResilience consortium funded by the Strategic Research Council of the Research Council of Finland. The working package is led by professor Virpi Lummaa based at the University of Turku, Finland. Her multidisciplinary research group broadly focuses on unraveling life histories of humans and elephants from an evolutionary perspective.

Job description

Human social networks have radically changed from the traditional multi-generational, kin-centered networks of our evolutionary past to smaller, more dispersed and less kin-directed networks of today, due to the economic and demographic transitions of the 19th and 20th centuries. The NetResilience consortium explores how these changing social networks can help or harm population resilience and how this change can influence fertility and wellbeing. Professor Virpi Lummaa’s work package in NetResilience focuses on the temporal perspectives in family networks: how these networks have changed and how they are linked to fertility and mortality in both historical and contemporary society.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to unravel the questions on how human kin networks are associated with reproduction and lifespan at different times. This postdoc position focuses on quantifying the geographic distance to kin and how the variation in network spatial closeness is associated with reproduction parameters and survival at different life using unique longitudinal kin networks data that covers over 300 years of economic and demographic development in Finland.

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Who we are looking for

The candidate should hold a doctorate degree in biology, sociology or demography or other relevant field and a scientific and professional background that aligns with the following specific activities:

  • Strong experience in data management and data science, for example, combining data sources and editing data utilizing R or Python;
  • Experience in discrete time event analyses or other survival models such as Cox regression models;
  • Experience in publishing research articles in international peer-reviewed scientific journals;
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English;
  • Experience in latent class analysis (LCA), latent transition analysis (LTA) or other complex analytical methods is an asset.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

 Desirable qualifications

We seek a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working candidate. Applicant must show good interpersonal skills and be willing to work in close collaboration with the project PI and other members of the international project team, as well as have the ability to work independently. The applicant must also be willing to conduct interdisciplinary research.

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.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee 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 logo. The logo 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 for the position is determined in accordance with the university salary system for research personnel. For the postdoctoral researcher salary follows the levels 5-6 of teaching and research staff (3213,55 – 3747,44 EUR/month). In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal work performance component is 6-50% of the task specific salary component. All standard pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees.

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 3600 - 4000 €/month.

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 Wednesday 15.1.2025 at 16.00 (EEST GMT+3 / at 13:00 UTC).

Please write your application and accompanying documents in English. 

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • motivation letter, including statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest
  • CV, including education, positions, professional experience, names and contact details of two academic referees
  • list of publications
  • degree certificate(s) 
  • other documents that may influence the filling of the position (attach to other attachment)

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: professor Virpi Lummaa, virpi.lummaa(at)utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaiketom(at)utu.fi

Department of Biology

In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

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