Postdoctoral Researcher in Analytic Number Theory

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki invites applications for

Postdoctoral Researcher in Analytic Number Theory

for a fixed term of two years. The starting date is flexible within the year 2026. There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment. 

Position description

The postdoctoral researcher will work in the brand-new Number Theory Research Group led by Assistant Professor Jori Merikoski. The group works on the interface between automorphic forms, prime numbers, divisor functions, and L-functions. The position includes funding to attend conferences and make research visits abroad.

Homepage of the project leader: https://sites.google.com/view/jorimerikoski/home

The group has close ties to the Number Theory group at the University of Turku led by Professor Kaisa Matomäki https://users.utu.fi/ksmato/researchgroup/

Qualifications

We are looking for applicants with a PhD in analytic number theory, with an emphasis on at least one of the following topics: distribution of prime numbers and arithmetic functions, theory of zeta- and L-functions, and theory of automorphic forms. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is a necessity. 

What do we offer?

We offer you a highly international research environment with excellent opportunities to build up your professional expertise and scientific network. You will also have a chance to contribute to the success and growth of the brand-new Number Theory Research Group. The position includes funding to attend conferences and make research visits abroad.

The University of Helsinki offers a first-class research and teaching environment as well as a vibrant international working community. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.

The salary of the successful candidate will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. For a postdoctoral researcher, the starting salary is typically 3800-4050 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and providing an opportunity for 6 weeks of paid annual leave. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. 

The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland. Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. The Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information, check what Finland and Helsinki have to offer as a prospective place to live.  

How to apply

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system.

The application should include the following documents as a single PDF file (in English):

• An application letter describing your suitability for the position and motivation to apply for it (max. 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
  • Include also in your CV the contact information of two people, who are willing to provide a reference letter by a separate request
• List of publications
• A research plan (max 3 pages + references)

Please upload all the attachments to the slot reserved for CV.

External applicants, please submit your application via the Apply Now button.

Internal applicants, who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button.

The deadline for submitting the application is February 25th, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC + 3).

Additional information

For more information on the position and operational environment, contact Assistant Professor Jori Merikoski (jori.merikoski(at)helsinki.fi).

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Services (hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi).

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The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations.

As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Helsinki is the biggest university department of mathematical sciences in Finland. The department hosts several current ERC grants of the European Research Council and two Centres of Excellence of the Academy of Finland.