The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is currently seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Health Scientist sub-project of the Digital Citizen Science Centre project from 1 November 2024 (or as agreed) to 31 October 2026.

The purpose of the Digital Citizen Science Centre is to facilitate citizen science projects in which citizens can take part in scientific research via mobile applications. This 5-year project includes a multidisciplinary consortium of 4 faculties from the University of Jyväskylä and Helsinki University’s Museum of Natural History (Luomus). The project is built around the Research for JYU Mobile (RFJM) phone application, which can be used to create solutions for a range of citizen science needs. The larger project includes 4 sub-projects: 1) Natural Scientist, 2) Health Scientist, 3) Human Scientist and 4) Educational Scientist.

The Postdoctoral Researcher position is part of the Health Scientist sub-project, which develops digital methods for collecting and analysing research data based on real-time visualisation and a mobile application (RFJM). These include citizen self-administered physical fitness tests and dynamic questionnaires based on analyses. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to the direction of their work. For example, data collection may focus on a more detailed understanding of specific problems related to health or performance. The successful applicant will work in collaboration with post-doctoral researchers from the other sub-projects and technology developers, as well as with the research community in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences.

Tasks and requirements

The main duties of the Postdoctoral Researcher are 1) Working with the technology team to develop the content of the Health Scientist module of the JYU Mobile app, 2) Data collection, analysis and publication. The Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to actively collaborate with other researchers and to participate in other activities within the scientific community.

The successful candidate must have a relevant doctoral degree, e.g. in sport science, IT, computer science, or psychology/neuropsychology. The candidate must be able to work independently and have good collaboration skills. We value previous experience in mobile application development, software development, artificial intelligence methods and/or data collection in a laboratory environment. National and international collaborative networks, teaching and supervision experience, and experience of research leadership will be considered an advantage.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A person appointed to a teaching and research position at the University is required to have a good command of Finnish. The University may, if necessary, grant an exemption from the language proficiency requirements. Fluency in English is required.

What do we offer?

You get to be part of the inspiring and multidisciplinary Digital Citizen Science Centre and the broadly networked Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the international forefront of research. We offer a comfortable working environment and a unique, collaborative team with diverse expertise and extensive networks, creating a great environment for developing your research career.

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community, where everyone's well-being is important. We offer a good framework for a mobile and healthy lifestyle on and around campus.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities, and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security systems in the world including e.g. sickness benefits, various family benefits and a comprehensive healthcare system. Please read more about working at the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland in our International Staff Guide.

The position is at level 5 of the salary system for Finnish universities. Your annual salary will be approx. 44.000-51.000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus) depending on your skills and previous experience. The position is subject to a 6-month trial period.

How to apply?

Applicants should add the following attachments as pdf-files to their application (applicant name should appear in the file name):

CV, prepared in accordance with good scientific practice and taking into account, as far as possible, the TENK model
Freeform application/motivation letter (max. 2 pages), including a short summary of your scientific merits and a statement of your research interests in relation to the open position.
A numbered list of all scientific and other publications which the applicant wishes to cite as evidence of their qualifications and merits for the post. The list of publications should be formatted in accordance with the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
Copy of your highest degree certificate

For more information please contact Digital Citizen Science Centre Health Scientist project leader, Prof. Neil Cronin (tel. +358408053735, neil.j.cronin@jyu.fi).

Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centred environment of 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.  

Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. There are two main lines of study at the Faculty: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences. Links between physical activity and health as well as promotion of exercise and health are viewed from a multidisciplinary perspective with the improvement of health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan as the key aim.

Phone: +358142601211

Location: Seminaarinkatu 15

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.