Postdoctoral Researcher in Gerontology and Public Health
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a three-year fixed-term position starting 1 January 2026, or as agreed, in the Ageing, Environment and Functioning profiling area (ENVIS-AGE) at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä.
In this position, the Postdoctoral Researcher will work within a multidisciplinary profiling area led by Professor Taina Rantanen. The aim is to advance research on ageing, functioning, and physical activity environments, utilizing the University of Jyväskylä’s extensive datasets and ongoing projects. A particular focus is the second phase of the Genetics, Lifestyles and Health (BioRecall) recall study conducted in collaboration with the Central Finland Biobank. The position includes writing scientific publications, providing opportunities for professional qualification and independence as a researcher.
Who we are looking for
Applicants are required to hold a relevant doctoral degree, for example in health sciences, sport sciences, environmental sciences, or another relevant field. We value knowledge of statistical methods, ability to analyze open environmental datasets linked to address information and geocodes of places of residence, and willingness to further develop research methods relevant to the field. Experience in epidemiological research on ageing, physical activity, and functional capacity is considered an advantage.
The qualification requirements and language skills of postdoctoral researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The position requires excellent command of English.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a valued member of a community where you can influence the content of research. You will be part of our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The position is placed on the job requirement level 5 of the salary system for teaching and research staff at the universities. The starting salary will be approximately 3600-4200 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
How to apply
Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.
The online application must include the following PDF documents:
- Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering, where possible, the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- A free-form application/cover letter (max 3 pages), including a statement of your scientific merits, links to your three best publications and justification for selecting these, a preliminary research plan, and contact information of your referees.
- A numbered list of scientific and other publications using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- A copy of your doctoral degree certificate
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 30 September 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information about the position and project, please contact Professor Taina Rantanen: taina.rantanen@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 805 3590 or Associate Professor Merja Rantakokko: merja.h.rantakokko@jyu.fi, tel. +358 50 3016860.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centred environment of 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. There are two main lines of study at the Faculty: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences. Links between physical activity and health as well as promotion of exercise and health are viewed from a multidisciplinary perspective with the improvement of health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan as the key aim.
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.
