Ajankohtaista

Project Researcher, Microbiome epidemiology (Projektitutkija)

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The University of Eastern Finland invites applications for a project researcher position at the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio campus. The positions will be filled for a 2-year term from January 2, 2023 (or as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your applicationno later than November 30, 2022.

Role and salary

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is seeking highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position in epidemiological analyses of microbial exposures and respiratory health.

As our new project researcher, you will be working at the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition in a consortium project focusing in identifying early-life microbial exposures affecting asthma risk. The project aims at facilitating the development of asthma preventive interventions. The work builds on our previous findings and existing data from a globally unique compilation of prospectively followed birth cohorts from different countries. Your main role will be to perform statistical analyses, draft manuscripts and drive the harmonization of birth cohort datasets obtained from multiple study centers around the world.

The salary is determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities, and it will depend on the expertise of the recruited applicant and based on either level 5 or 6 on the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff. In addition to the job requirement component, the salary includes a personal performance component, which ranges from 6% to 50% of the job requirement component. With a level 5 job requirement component and the personal performance component, the starting salary will be from 3,350 to 3,900 euros per month. The position is filled for a fixed term as it is tied to a fixed project, but extension may be applicable. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

Requirements and expectations

Required: The applicant should hold a PhD in a relevant field or an MD and have a strong background in microbiome data analyses, experience in statistical modeling utilizing high quality cohort datasets and have a good understanding of epidemiology. A proven track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications as a leading author, excellent communication skills and proficiency in verbal and written English is essential. In exceptional cases if other requirements are fulfilled, a candidate with an MSc or equivalent degree may be considered.

Desired: Prior experience in research addressing immunological disorders especially in regard to respiratory and allergic diseases, strong R skills, data illustration and basic understanding of bioinformatics are desired.

Your benefits

You will have an opportunity to work in multi-institutional collaboration with experts in epidemiology, bioinformatics, statistics, data management and national and global collaboration networks. With dedication and enthusiasm, you will have a unique opportunity to address and solve intriguing scientific questions with high public health impact, produce high quality publications and to advance your research career in an innovative environment.

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including:

• Extensive occupational health care
• Staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants and other services
• Affordable sports services

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website. 

Enjoy your life in the middle of the beautiful Finnish Lakeland! Finland is known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system. It is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more. 

How to apply? 

Submit your application using our electronic application form no later than November 30, 2022 (by 24.00 hours Finland time).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application

• CV or resumé (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
• List of publications (List of publications – Academy of Finland (aka.fi)
• Doctoral degree certificate
• Motivation letter for this position (max. 1 page, 200 words)
• Names and contact information (e-mail and phone number) of three referees

Questions?  

For further information about the position, contact Dr Pirkka Kirjavainen, pirkka.kirjavainen@thl.fi.

For further information on the application procedure, contact HR secretary Timo Perttunen, timo.perttunen@uef.fi, p. +358294454520