Department of Economics at Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, opens a position of a Postdoctoral Researcher / Senior Researcher for fixed term  from 1.8.2026 to 30.9.2028. Employment starts on 1.8.2026 or as agreed.

The position is located in the research group led by Professor Mika Kortelainen at the Department of Economics, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku. The group focuses on the evaluation of effectiveness and productivity of health and social care services using randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and large-scale register data, with a particular emphasis on digital health services and artificial intelligence.

GAINS (Generative AI and Digital Solutions: Enhancing Effectiveness and Productivity of Healthcare Services) is a Strategic Research Council–funded multidisciplinary project studying whether and how generative AI and digital solutions can improve the effectiveness, productivity, and sustainability of health and social care services. The project integrates expertise from economics, medicine, and social sciences and is built on close collaboration with wellbeing services counties, ministries, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Key consortium partners include Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, and HUS, providing an exceptional multidisciplinary research environment and strong links to policy and practice.

The post of postdoctoral researcher or Senior Researcher is positioned at the Department of Economics.  The Department of Economics conducts high-quality research in economics and belongs to the leading Finnish educators of economics at all degree levels. In the Turku School of Economics, the department is responsible for the research profile area Economic Policy and Markets.

Job description

The position can be filled either at the level of a Postdoctoral Researcher or Senior Researcher, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and career stage.

The Postdoctoral Researcher / Senior Researcher will play a central role in the empirical research of the GAINS project. Tasks include designing research designs (including RCTs and quasi-experimental designs), constructing and analyzing large-scale register data, conducting econometric analyses, and writing scientific articles for leading international journals. The position may also involve participation in the design and implementation of new experimental studies in collaboration with public-sector partners. A limited amount of teaching, supervision, and administrative duties is included.

Who we are looking for

The qualification requirements for the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. 

Person selected for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher shall have an appropriate doctoral degree completed by the end of application deadline.

Person selected for the position of a Senior Researcher is required to have a higher university degree in suitable field and be close to completing a doctoral degree.

Other key requirements include:

• evidence of independent scientific research, particularly in quasi-experimental methods, impact evaluation, and/or health economics,
• broad expertise in economics, including the ability to analyze demand, supply and productivity of services, market functioning, and the effects of policy interventions,
• strong research orientation, good skills in handling register-based data and fluency in English.

Other desirable qualifications include experience:

• with randomized controlled trials and large administrative or register data,
• digital health services or the evaluation of AI-based applications,
• working in multidisciplinary research groups.

The position is open to candidates at different career stages, and the final level will be determined based on the overall assessment of qualifications, potential, and fit to the project. 

We value equality and diversity in our working community and encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.