Postdoctoral Researcher, cost-effectiveness research
The multidisciplinary JYU.Well community is currently seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in research on cost-effectiveness and impact in health and wellbeing, starting August 3, 2026, until December 31, 2028. The reason for the fixed-term position is project based work.
The research position is part of the Multifaceted Wellbeing profiling area, and of the multidisciplinary wellbeing research community JYU.Well at the University of Jyväskylä. Multifaceted wellbeing (JYU.Well) integrates diverse disciplinary insights into a holistic understanding of wellbeing-related phenomena, thus contributing high relevance to research, policy, and practice. The Postdoctoral Researcher's duties focus on internationally high-level research specifically in generating societal impact of wellbeing research by analyzing, developing, and disseminating effective evidence-based interventions, practices, and policy recommendations. The position is administrated in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Who we are looking for
Candidates for the Postdoctoral Position are required to provide evidence of research on cost-effectiveness that contributes to wellbeing research and practise relative to the career stage. They must also demonstrate their ability to link relevant research perspectives by exploring and clarifying the cost-effectiveness and well-being impacts of decision-making at the individual, community, and/or societal levels.
Candidates for the position are required to have, by the end of the application period, a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Research-methodological expertise, provided evidence of interdisciplinary research, and participation in interdisciplinary research projects, as well as practical experience or connections to welfare work are considered an advantage. Knowledge of Finnish society and its social and healthcare services, as well as proficiency in the Finnish language, are considered assets for this position.
The duties include conducting quality research, supporting the interdisciplinary development of wellbeing research and activities, supervising theses, and participating in acquiring external funding. The Postdoctoral Researcher is also expected to participate in societal interaction together with the JYU.Well community. He or she is expected to develop and apply tools for research on cost-effectiveness and impact of various wellbeing services and actions relating to health, rehabilitation, and social care as examples. The amount of teaching duties is rather small. The position offers excellent collaboration networks. This is a unique opportunity to work with problems that really matter.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The qualification requirements must be met by the closing of the application time. Good command of Finnish or English is required for this position. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
How to apply?
To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone).
The application documents that should be included in English or in Finnish as PDF files (each attachment named after the applicant):
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. Please include the contact information of two academic references for recommendations.
- A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland. Please highlight the 5 most important publications relevant to this position and include a description of your own contribution to these articles.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by April 13, 2026. Applications sent via email will not be considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Jutta Viinikainen, jutta.i.viinikainen@jyu.fi, phone +358 405767804.
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.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 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.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
