The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University explores research questions that are directly relevant for society, industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative.
The sponsoring institution for this position is Keva, which is Finland’s largest pension provider.
Keva administers the pensions of the Finnish public sector, including local government, State, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kela, Bank of Finland and new wellbeing services counties employees. Keva aims to improve well-being at work, enhance work ability of the employees, increase productivity and decrease costs from incapacity to work by providing services to employers in the public sector. DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of subject matter, tackle real-world challenges and expand their professional networks.
Job description
The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and public sector in the field of occupational disability, its antecedents and risk factors, and financial costs among public sector employees. The goals are:
Model pathways of a sickness absences in different diagnosis (musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems), occupations and among age groups in a ten-year follow-up of public sector employees.
Collect evidence on the financial costs of sickness absences and work inability pensions, and on how they differ in different diagnosis (musculoskeletal disorders or mental health problems), occupations and among age groups.
Study the cost effectiveness of interventions on work ability, such as rehabilitation, or partial disability pensions. The individual level analysis stems from life course perspective.
As a Doctoral Researcher you are expected to plan your research and act in accordance, collect scientific evidence (e.g. research literature reviews) on the research questions, independently analyze the register-based data and on the basis of this, write scientific research articles on the subject. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry. Keva expects research results to be published as scientific articles during the dissertation process.
Results are also expected during Keva’s development project between the years 2023 and 2024, during which at least two scientific papers are expected in addition to which the publications may be e.g. abstracts, congress presentations, or non-scientific writings.
At the university, the work will be supervised by Professor Sami Pirkola and Assistant Professor Terhi Ravaska while the supervisors in Keva will be Research Manager, PhD Laura Pekkarinen and Statistical analyst, PhD Janne Salonen. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives.
The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers will also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.
Requirements
You need to have an applicable master’s degree in health sciences (including medicine and public health), health economics, administrative sciences, or a related discipline in science. Statistical analysis skills on register-based data are required. Experience in scientific thinking and writing are valued.
You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required.
Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.
Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.
We offer
The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in March 2023 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale.
A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2500 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.
We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community.
The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.
Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is February 28th , 2023 (23:59 EET / +2 UTC).
Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.
Please attach only the following documents to your application:
· A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
· Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template (including the contact details of two referees).
· List of publications
· Degree certificates
· Transcript of records (master's degree studies).
For further information, please contact:
Laura Pekkarinen, laura.pekkarinen(at)keva.fi
Sami Pirkola, sami.pirkola(at)tuni.fi