Doctoral researcher in Health Sciences / Doktorand i hälsovetenskaper

Åbo Akademi ledigförklarar en avlönad doktorandbefattning i hälsovetenskaper med placering vid institutionen för natur- och hälsovetenskaper i Vasa, Finland. Anställningen är för tre års tid (36 månader), med start 1.9.2026 eller enligt överenskommelse. Den tidsbundna anställningen är på heltid.

 Vänligen se annonsen i sin helhet på engelska nedan.

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Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a fixed-term salaried position as Doctoral Researcher in Health Sciences. The position is placed at the Department of Natural and Health Sciences in Vaasa, Finland. This position is full time for three years (36 months), with start date 1.9.2026 (or as agreed). 

ABOUT THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AND THE PROJECT

The Department of Natural and Health Sciences and the subject of Health Sciences at Åbo Akademi University in Vaasa constitutes a dynamic and internationally recognized research environment. In addition to the research activities of individual researchers, the department is involved in several national and international collaboration networks and projects. One of these projects is “The promotion of parental wellbeing as a key public mental health strategy: The case of gendered work-life balance and its socio contextual mechanisms in contemporary working life” (PROPEL 2026-2030).  The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland. 

PROPEL is a consortium project involving Åbo Akademi University and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL, as well as international collaboration partners. The project applies a health promotion perspective in aiming to identify and understand the multi-level mechanisms of work-life balance as a key dimension or determinant of mental wellbeing among working parents and their families. PROPEL places special emphasis on gender (in)equality and intersectionality perspectives. The project encompasses 9 sub-studies, representing macro-, meso, and micro-level aspects of the project theme, and an interdisciplinary and multi-method research approach is employed. 

TASKS, QUALIFICATIONS AND MERITS
 
We are looking for a motivated doctoral researcher with a master’s degree in Health Sciences (Health Promotion and Health Education or Caring Science) or in a related discipline to pursue doctoral research within the scope of the PROPEL-project. The recruited person will be part of a larger research team (the project consortium) and collaborate around various project activities. At the same time as they are expected to advance their own PhD research in Health Sciences (major subject: Caring Science). The central work tasks include collection, analysis, and management of data (international and Finnish surveys and interviews), communicating research findings and writing reports and scientific articles. 

The required qualifications and merits for the position are outlined below:

Basic eligibility criteria

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent)

Meriting qualifications 

• Strong academic collaboration and organization skills 
• Strong communication skills, including strong written and spoken communication skills in English
• Previous research experience related to the topics and methods applied in the PROPEL project
• Swedish and/or Finnish language skills (appr. Europass B2 or higher) is an additional asset as it will benefit the data collection and national collaboration 

 Desirable qualifications

• Other relevant work experience related to the PROPEL project theme (including but not limited to e.g. clinical or coordinating roles related to family work or gender equality issues) 
• Experience in international collaboration projects or work tasks

The applications are assessed based on the aforementioned criteria and qualifications, as well as possible interviews.  

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s potential for development and competences and in relation to the necessary qualities to successfully carry out the tasks for the position.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The doctoral researcher’s primary task is to work on their own doctoral thesis, as well as contributing to the activities of the PROPEL project. The primary workplace is located at Åbo Akademi’s campus in Vaasa, where regular campus presence is expected by the doctoral researcher. Hybrid work is possible, with flexibility for remote work within Finland.  Teaching tasks and supervision can comprise a maximum of 5% of the work time.

The principle of total working time (1612 hours per year) is applied to employed doctoral researchers. The supervision and study plan for doctoral researchers will be evaluated annually. 

The salary for a doctoral position will be based on levels 2-4 of the job demand level for teaching and researching personnel in the salary system. In addition, there is a salary component based on personal work performance, according to the general collective agreement for universities. For a first year-doctoral researcher, the salary will be ca 2700 €. The salary will be adjusted as the dissertation work progresses, reaching approximately €3500 per month as the doctoral researcher approaches the completion of the doctoral degree.

The selected candidate will be employed for a maximum period of up to three years. A trial period of six months applies to new employees.

Please note, that upon acceptance, there is a separate application process for the admission to a doctoral programme at ÅAU. Thus, applicants that have not yet been admitted to the ÅAU doctoral programme will also be considered for the positions. A shorter-term employment contract within the project might come into question between completion of the recruitment and admission to the PhD programme.
 

APPLICATION

The application is submitted through the electronic application form below no later than 3.6.2026, at 3 p.m. (Finnish time). See Instructions on electronic applications and their appendices for technical assistance.

The following appendices are attached to the application in Swedish or English:

1. Copies of diplomas including transcript of records 
2. A description of the applicant’s research interests related to the PROPEL project (max. three A4 pages, according to the instructions below**)
3. Two references and their contact details
4. A CV, composed according to the template by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity including a list of possible publications
5. Master’s thesis (PDF or link)

**A description of the applicant’s research interests (max. three A4 pages, excl. references) is central in the evaluation of the applicants. The description must be related to the topic of the PROPEL project and will be evaluated on this basis. The description should account for how the proposed doctoral research contributes to the PROPEL-project and how a doctoral researcher position would complement the applicant’s knowledge and previous experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about the PROPEL project, contact P.I., Senior University Lecturer Anna K Forsman (+358 469219726, available for queries May 7, 20 and 26, between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Finnish local time) or regarding the recruitment process HR Partner Jenni Kronqvist, jenni.kronqvist[a]abo.fi.

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Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) is a multidisciplinary research university with a broad responsibility to provide higher education in Swedish in Finland. Our doctoral education is systematic and of a high standard, offering access to active supervision and international networks. We are guided by academic freedom and ethical responsibility, and we value knowledge, community, empowerment, and sustainability. With over 100 years of history, Åbo Akademi University operates on campuses in Turku and Vaasa. We serve approximately 6,000 students and doctoral researchers and have around 1,200 dedicated employees. Åbo Akademi University works for a more balanced gender distribution and increased diversity across all staff groups, and welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We offer an international environment for study, research, and collaboration. Join us in the pursuit of excellence!
 

Come work with us: https://www.abo.fi/om-abo-akademi/jobba-hos-oss/
 Do research with us: https://www.abo.fi/forska-hos-oss/

 Åbo Akademi University works actively for even gender distribution and increased diversity in all staff groups.
 
 

Osaamisalue: Kasvatus- & opetusala