Postdoctoral Researcher in Medical Statistics at University of Oulu – Finland

Summary

The University of Oulu is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Medical Statistics to join the Research Unit for Population Health (PoPH) within the Faculty of Medicine. This full-time, fixed-term position, funded by the Research Council of Finland's Health Dimensions initiative, focuses on longitudinal models of multiple chronic diseases. The successful candidate will contribute to building and evaluating machine learning models using real-world health data. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, completed within the last 10 years, and possess strong analytical and programming skills, particularly in machine learning and longitudinal modelling. Key responsibilities include data management, study design, model development, scientific writing, and presentations. The position offers a gross monthly salary of approximately 3900-4200 € and career development opportunities. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Research Unit for Population Health (PoPH), Faculty of Medicine
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Medical Sciences
Research Area	Medical Statistics, Health Data Science, Bioinformatics, Machine Learning, Longitudinal Modelling of Chronic Diseases
Degree Required	Doctoral degree
Experience	Experience in data-driven analytical approaches, machine learning, advanced longitudinal modelling, accurate and reproducible data preparation and analysis, and a track record of peer-reviewed research articles, research software and/or datasets.
Salary	Approximately 3900-4200 € per calendar month (gross), based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities, plus a personal work performance component (maximum 50% of job-specific component).
Funding	Health Dimensions research initiative, funded by the Research Council of Finland.
Contract Duration	Fixed-term, from November 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to August 31, 2028.
Language	English (excellent written and spoken required), Finnish (excellent written and spoken desirable).
Deadline	2026-10-30
Required Documents	Cover letter (maximum 1 page), CV (maximum 2 pages), List of publications, Contact details of 2-3 referees, Copies of Master's degree and PhD certificates, Translation of degrees if not from an English or Finnish speaking institution
Employer Address	University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, 90570 Oulu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland
Employer Contact	Associate Professor Katriina Heikkila (katriina.heikkila[at]oulu.fi)

About the Project

The research project is part of the Health Dimensions initiative, funded by the Research Council of Finland, which aims to understand the multidimensional nature of human health to prevent chronic diseases and multimorbidity. The postdoctoral researcher will join a group focused on longitudinal models of multiple chronic diseases across the life course. The role involves building and evaluating machine learning models for these diseases using real-world data and cohort studies, requiring expertise in data-driven analytical approaches and advanced longitudinal modelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Extract, link, clean and manage data from administrative health and healthcare data and other relevant sources.
• Design reproducible studies and evaluate models using appropriate analytical methods.
• Build and evaluate reproducible longitudinal models and research software.
• Write scientific articles and contribute to articles led by other members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Present research findings in scientific meetings at the unit, university and externally.
• Contribute to information governance documentation, project reporting, stakeholder meetings and funding applications.

Required Skills

• Doctoral degree in health data science, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science or a closely related discipline (completed within 10 years prior to application).
• Experience of utilising, evaluating and developing machine learning methods.
• Strong analytical and programming skills (e.g. R or Python).
• Experience of undertaking accurate, reproducible data preparation and analysis.
• A track record of peer-reviewed research articles, research software and/or datasets.
• Ability to organise competing priorities and deliver accurate, high-quality work to an agreed timetable.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning and delivering tasks.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Familiarity with research computing, virtual server solutions and software development (desirable).
• Ability to communicate technical or clinical research concepts clearly to academic and non-academic audiences (desirable).
• Excellent written and spoken Finnish (desirable).

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a recognized researcher (R2) with a doctoral degree in health data science, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, or a closely related discipline, completed within the last 10 years. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in machine learning methods, data-driven analytical approaches, advanced longitudinal modelling, and reproducible data preparation and analysis, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications or research software. The role requires excellent written and spoken English, a collaborative approach, and the ability to work independently.

Benefits

• Support from a highly experienced and enthusiastic research team and unit.
• Career development and learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary, international university setting.
• Career development and learning opportunities within the Health Dimensions research initiative.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance.
• Occupational healthcare and social staff benefits.
• University of Oulu has an HR Excellence in Research quality label.
• Opportunity to live in Finland, one of the most livable countries with high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy.

About the Employer

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university with approximately 4000 employees and a community of about 19,000 people. It is ranked in the top 3% of the world's universities. The university is guided by its values and ethical principles, and it holds an HR Excellence in Research quality label from the European Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

This is a fixed-term position, with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2026, and an expected end date of August 31, 2028.

What is the expected gross monthly salary?

The starting gross salary will be approximately 3900-4200 € per calendar month, plus a personal work performance component.

What degree is required for this position?

A doctoral degree in health data science, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, or a closely related discipline is required. The degree must have been completed by the end of the application period and no longer than 10 years prior.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter (max 1 page), CV (max 2 pages), list of publications, contact details of 2-3 referees, and copies of Master's and PhD certificates. Translations are required for degrees not from English or Finnish speaking institutions.

Who should I contact for questions about the position?

For questions, you can contact Associate Professor Katriina Heikkila at katriina.heikkila[at]oulu.fi.

Is experience with machine learning essential?

Yes, experience of utilising, evaluating and developing machine learning methods, with strong analytical and programming skills, is essential.