Postdoctoral position in Statistical Ecology and Evolution 🔬 at University of Helsinki (3 years, up to €4000/month)
Location: Helsinki, Finland (Kumpula Campus)
Organization: University of Helsinki – Department of Mathematics and Statistics / Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Contract Type: Full-time, 3-year funded position
Main Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop statistical models and analyses to combine theoretical ecology predictions and empirical data on the evolution of sex-specific differences in immunity and life history traits.
The position involves developing and fitting models on natural selection shaping sex-specific immune strategies to the related empirical datasets of various kinds and from various sources. For this, novel statistical approaches for assessing hypotheses, comparing models and combining different types of data are developed.
This position is part of the interdisciplinary consortium at the University of Helsinki, Sex Differences in Immunity, led by Dr. Piret Avila, which brings together researchers across evolutionary biology, immunology, genomics, demography, and statistics to bridge evolutionary and mechanistic explanations of sex differences in immunity.
Supervisors: Dr. Elina Numminen (Faculty of Science) and Dr. Piret Avila (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences).
Requirements:
- PhD in statistics, mathematics, biology, evolutionary anthropology or a related field
- Strong background in statistical and mathematical modelling and in the analysis of real-world datasets
- Experience in interdisciplinarity and good collaboration skills
- Ability to develop and pursue independent research questions
- Fluent English skills
Benefits/Conditions:
- A fully-funded 3-year position
- Starting salary of 3800-4000 euros/month depending on qualifications and experience
- An opportunity to conduct research as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary consortium
- Collaboration across disciplines, with research visits to leading groups in the field
- Funding for attending international conferences to build your scientific network
- Access to excellent resources and professional development opportunities
- Occupational health care, flexible working hours, and 6 weeks of paid annual leave
- Support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland
How to Apply:
Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki's recruitment system and include:
- A CV, including a list of publications
- An application letter describing your suitability for the position and motivation to apply (max. 2 pages)
- Contact information of two persons willing to provide a reference letter upon request
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +2)
Starting date: From March 2026 onwards, preferably by September 2026
Contact:
- About the position: Dr. Elina Numminen – elina.numminen@helsinki.fi
- Recruitment system: recruitment@helsinki.fi
More information:
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-science/faculty/mathematics-and-statistics
- Kumpula Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/visit-us/campuses/kumpula-campus
- Why University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki
- 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-helsinki
