Doctoral Researcher on Education-Related Inequalities

The Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of 

A DOCTORAL RESEARCHER ON EDUCATION-RELATED INEQUALITIES

for a fixed term period of approximately 3.5 years, starting from 18 January 2027 until 30 August 2030 (or as agreed).

The position is situated in the Helsinki Institute for Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health and is a part of the Research Council of Finland funded project Education – a Universal Solvent? Towards a Cross-Disciplinary Synthesis that investigates educational differences across four research areas 1) intergenerational social stratification, 2) population health, and 3) electoral participation as well as seeks 4) synthesis and synergies between these three research traditions.

The appointee will conduct research toward their doctoral thesis in one or more of the four research areas (1–4) defined above, with the aim of producing a doctoral dissertation, typically consisting of three peer-reviewed scientific articles and a summary. Working together with the principal investigator, the appointee will have a key role in the project implementation, including conducting and publishing research jointly, as well as other project tasks, such as maintaining its data infrastructure and communication. Additionally, the work duties include teaching or related activities as agreed with the needs of the Institute (up to 5% of annual working time).

The project research takes advantage of two types of data sources. First, Finnish census and population register data that are unique internationally in that they longitudinally combine individual and family data of a full national population for over 50 years. Second type of data used consists of Finnish population representative epidemiological cohort studies and twin studies that contain behavioural, clinical and genetic information, which are also linked to register-based information. The project is led by Hannu Lahtinen.

QUALIFICATIONS 

The appointee to the position must hold a master’s degree in demography, public health/epidemiology, quantitative sociology or political science, philosophy, statistics, population genetics or another relevant field by the beginning of the employment.

For a successful applicant, strong quantitative methods skills are required. Following are not considered necessary but can be advantageous in the job:

• Experience in working with Finnish or other national register-based data infrastructure. 
• Experience in working with genotyped data is also considered an advantage, particularly if the applicant specializes in research area 2. 
• For an applicant specializing in research area 4, also more theoretical or meta-empirical (e.g. meta-analysis and systematic literature review methods) research focus is an option. 

The appointee must have the ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies following a study plan and research proposal. The appointee must either hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki or obtain it within the six-month probationary period.

The appointee needs to have a strong command of written English.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The International Staff Unit provides assistance in relocation. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The appointee will receive active research feedback, thesis supervision and similar support within the research project and wider research group, as well as opportunities for international collaboration and scientific publishing. 

The starting monthly gross salary range will be approximately €2,700-€3,300 depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, standard Finnish pension benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. 

Finland is a member of the European Union, has high-quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link “Apply now”. Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link “Employee login”. The closing date for applications is 19.11. 2026.

The following English-language documents must be enclosed with applications: 

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Numbered list of publications (if any)
3. Statement of interest (1-2 pages) outlining applicant's a) skills and research experience, and b) specific interests and planned contribution with regard to the project aims.

Detailed information on how to structure the Curriculum vitae and list of publications can be obtained online.

FURTHER INFORMATION 

Further information about the position and the research project may be obtained from Academy Research Fellow Hannu Lahtinen, hannu.lahtinen@helsinki.fi. 

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institute in the social sciences, and the country’s most diverse social sciences faculty in terms of the range of its disciplines and fields of research. The Faculty has a strong international research profile and an international master’s programme, and several of its disciplinary units have been rated among the top 50 in the world. The faculty has approximately 550 research and teaching staff, and each year it awards some 350 bachelor’s degrees, 400 master’s degrees and more than 50 doctoral degrees.