University Lecturer in Biostatistics
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki is seeking
UNIVERSITY LECTURER in biostatistics
for a permanent position starting no later than 1 January 2026.
We are seeking a university lecturer with proven expertise in teaching and research in biostatistics, particularly as applied to ecology, evolutionary biology, or experimental biology.
The university lecturer will be primarily responsible for teaching statistics and scientific computing courses at the bachelor's level, with possible contributions to master's-level teaching within the Faculty. The university lecturer will develop teaching in this field together with other teachers in the program, act as a supervising teacher, guide thesis work, and conduct scientific research. The teaching duties of university lecturers in the Faculty account for 40-60% of the total working time. The selected candidate is also expected to actively take part in teaching planning and administration.
In terms of research, we particularly value expertise in biostatistics as applied to ecology, evolutionary biology, or experimental biology tha complemnts expertise in the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme[LAL3] .
SELECTION CRITERIA
The candidate is required to hold a doctoral degree, have experience and evidence of scientific research, and have experience in high-quality, research-based teaching and thesis supervision.
The evaluation criteria for the university lecturer consist of three main areas:
Teaching and supervision merits:
- Experience in research-based teaching and supervision, as well as other teaching achievements
- Ability to develop teaching
- Pedagogical competence
Research merits:
- Evidence of active publication activity in recent years
- Demonstration of other scientific activities. For example, evidence of independent research, ability to lead a research group, participation in national or international research groups or networks, and experience in acquiring research funding
Societal engagement:
- Evidence of societal engagement and interaction
Applicants selected for the shortlist will be required to provide a teaching demonstration in Finnish. Teaching skills are assessed at the University of Helsinki when filling teaching and research positions, and the successful candidate must be evaluated as having good teaching skills (see assessment matrix).
According to the Universities Act, a university lecturer must have proficiency in the language of instruction, either Finnish or Swedish. Successful performance in the role of university lecturer in biostatistics requires proficiency in Finnish. The position also requires a good command of English.
WHAT WE OFFER
The University of Helsinki is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top international universities in the world. It is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers and an equal opportunity employer. The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is Finland’s premier hub for life science research and education. The Faculty consists of three Research Programmes: Ecosystems – and Environment, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, and the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences.
The lectureship is based in the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, which brings together diverse research in organismal biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. Our research is focused on the organism and population levels of a number of species, ranging from single-cell organisms, invertebrates, plants to vertebrates. The programme employs diverse research approaches ranging from ecology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology to genomics and bioinformatics. The research produces and utilises large-scale datasets in ecology, bioinformatics, and metabolomics, or the study of cellular metabolites. The up-to-date infrastructures and working environment in the university’s Viikki campus and biological research stations offer a strong support for research and teaching.
The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse research and teaching community. You will be able to implement research-based, top-level education in the field in Finland and be part of internationally respected and high-quality scientific research activities. The position provides an opportunity to develop one's own professional competence in a multidisciplinary work community. The work is supported by the teaching and research staff of the research programme and the faculty, as well as the administrative and technical staff of the Viikki campus. In addition to the facilities and research infrastructure that are currently available, the Faculty will provide a startup package to the appointee.
The salary of the position is based on levels 6–7 of the demand level scale for teaching and research staff in the universities' salary system. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, resulting in a gross salary of EUR 4,200–5,300 per month. The position will be filled during a probationary period of six months.
HOW TO APPLY
Please attach to the application a motivation letter (maximum 1 page) with a justification for why you are applying for the position, a university portfolio and a description of other activities that you wish to bring to the attention of the faculty. Application documents are requested as a single PDF file. Instructions for compiling a university portfolio: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/open-positions/instructions-applicants-teaching-and-research-positions
External applicants apply for the position in the recruitment system via the Apply now link. Applicants with helsinki.fi user IDs and a valid employment contract, grant researcher contract, visiting researcher or visiting professor contract at the University of Helsinki apply for the position via the Employee login link
The application period ends on 14.9.2025 (at 23.59).
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from diverse genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds and minorities.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information can be obtained from the Director of the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Professor Anna-Liisa Laine (anna-liisa.laine(at)helsinki.fi, tel +358 294157750) and Professor of Statistic Jarno Vanhatalo (jarno.vanhatalo(at)helsinki.fi, tel +358 294140639).
Further information on the recruitment process can be obtained from HR Specialist Harri Hamara: harri.hamara(at) helsinki.fi, tel +358 504489965).