Postdoctoral Researcher or Project Researcher (Public Health)

Unit of Public Health has an open fixed-term position for a Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Researcher for 1–1.5 years. The position starts on 1 April 2026 or as agreed.

The researcher will work in a research project funded by the Turku Urban Research Programme, which studies association between the characteristics of the living environment (e.g. green areas, sports facilities and noise) and physical activity and active transportation in people of different ages. 

The project utilizes cohort studies from the University of Turku, in which physical activity has been measured with accelerometers and GPS monitors. The research will make versatile use of existing spatial data sets and create new ones for the purposes of the research project.

The work offers an opportunity to be involved in examining environmental factors that promote and inhibit physical activity, as well as in developing practical map-based applications and putting this information into practice. The information produced in the research project can be utilized in the promotion of physical activity and sustainable and active transportation in different population groups

The research project will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers from the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of Turku and the Population Research Centre, which offers a unique environment for multidisciplinary research and excellent opportunities for developing as a researcher.

Job description

The Postdoctoral Researcher’s / Project Researcher's tasks include combining spatial data sets with existing research data and calculating new indicators. An important part of the work is the analysis of the results and the writing of research articles in collaboration with other researchers in the research group. In the project, it is possible to start your own PhD research project.

Who we are looking for

We require you to have:

  • a doctoral degree (postdoctoral researcher) or a master's degree (project researcher) in geography, public health, environmental medicine, sport science or another relevant field
  • experience in processing and analyzing spatial and environmental datasets (e.g. QGIS, R, Python)
  • good skills of using statistical methods
  • experience in analyzing large datasets (Postdoctoral Researcher)
  • ability to work both independently and in collaboration within a multidisciplinary research environment
  • initiative and self-direction
  • fluent spoken and written English skills
  • at least satisfactory spoken and written proficiency in Finnish

We consider as additional merits:

  • experience in research related to environmental health, e.g. noise, green and blue space
  • experience in analyzing GPS tracking data

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

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Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You will be part of a professional and inspiring university community where you are supported by an extensive network of experts. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services, among other things.

  • 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 partial 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 is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

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 researcher personnel. The demand level of the Postdoctoral Researcher position is 5–6 and Project Researcher 2–4. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid.

Depending on previous experience and skills, the average monthly salary of postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3620–4570 euros per month and the salary of project researcher approximately 2500–3385 euros per month at the beginning of the employment.

The position is subject to a six (6) month trial period.

How to apply

Please submit your application in Finnish or English through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 23 February 2026 at 16:00 (UTC+2, Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • motivation letter (max one page) in which you focus on your strengths related to the research entity
  • CV (max two pages)
  • list of publications, if applicable
  • degree certificate(s) / a transcript of records, accepted only in Finnish or in English (If in other language, please acquire an official translation at your own cost.)
  • contact information of two referees (name, place of work, email address)
  • other documents that may influence the filling of the position.

 

Further information

For more information about the position, please contact Professor Sari Stenholm, Public Health (tel. +358 50 465 1745 or sari.stenholm@utu.fi).

In technical questions about the application process, please contact HR Secretary Satu Jokinen (satjok@utu.fi, tel. +358 50 371 9304)

Faculty of Medicine

Public health is an attractive and multidisciplinary discipline in which high-quality epidemiological research is carried out in close cooperation with national and international partners. The research focus areas are the development of health and health risks from a life-course perspective and health geography research. The unit's international research evidence and funding are strongly increasing. Public health science is also part of the Population Research Centre, a joint project of the University of Turku and the Hospital District of Southwest Finland, which promotes multidisciplinary health research at different stages of the life cycle.

At the Department of Geography and Geology we study the Earth’s history and development, the systems of nature and human activity, and their interactions—from the equator to beyond the Arctic Circle, from rainforests to the pulse of cities. We provide scientific tools and solutions to help understand a changing world and influence its future trajectories. We educate future changemakers and collaborate with various actors in society with the goal of a sustainable future.

The Faculty of Medicine is a high level, international and innovative research and education unit in biomedicine, clinical medicine, dentistry and health and nursing sciences, as well as a major social contributor to health promotion, disease genesis, in the research of diagnostics and treatment and in the development of the health service and education system. The faculty provides research-based multidisciplinary undergraduate education in educational programs that educate diverse and critically minded specialists. The research is multidisciplinary and results in new information aimed at promoting the health of the population and better patient care.

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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Postdoctoral Researcher or Project Researcher (Public Health)

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