Doctoral Researcher on Education-Related Inequalities at University of Helsinki – Helsinki

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position situated in the Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health. The appointee will work on the Research Council of Finland-funded project “Education – a Universal Solvent? Towards a Cross-Disciplinary Synthesis,” which investigates educational differences across four main areas: intergenerational social stratification, population health, electoral participation, and cross-disciplinary synthesis. The candidate will conduct research toward a doctoral thesis, collaborating with the principal investigator to publish research, maintain data infrastructure, and contribute up to 5% of annual working time to teaching duties.

Salary and benefits

• Starting monthly gross salary ranging from approximately €2,700 to €3,300 depending on qualifications and experience
• Active research feedback, thesis supervision, and support within a multidisciplinary research group
• Opportunities for international collaboration and scientific publishing
• Comprehensive employee services including occupational health care and standard Finnish pension benefits
• Relocation assistance provided by the International Staff Unit

Who can apply?

• Must hold a Master’s degree in demography, public health/epidemiology, quantitative sociology, political science, philosophy, statistics, population genetics, or another relevant field by the beginning of employment
• Strong quantitative methods skills are required
• Ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies following a study plan and research proposal
• Must either hold the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki or obtain it within the six-month probationary period
• Strong command of written English
• Must reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki

Required documents

• Curriculum vitae
• Numbered list of publications (if any)
• Statement of interest (1-2 pages) outlining skills, research experience, specific interests, and planned contribution regarding project aims

When to apply

• Application closing date is 19 November 2026 at 23.59 Europe/Helsinki time
• Position starting date is 18 January 2027 until 30 August 2030 (or as agreed)

How to apply

• Register and submit the application with required English-language attachments through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System using the "Apply now" link
• Applicants currently employed by the University of Helsinki must submit their application via the "Employee login" link

Additional information

• The position includes a probationary period of six months
• The research utilizes Finnish census and population register data as well as population representative epidemiological cohort and twin studies