Doctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

Summary of the project and research group descriptions

The position is part of the SPOCK (Stroke Pharmaco‑Omics Consortium) project, a major European research initiative coordinated by the University of Helsinki and led by Professor Mikko Niemi. The project is funded under the European Partnership for Personalised Medicine (EP PerMed) / Horizon Europe framework and brings together leading academic institutions, healthcare providers, and industrial partners across Europe.

SPOCK aims to advance personalised stroke care by evaluating and implementing genotype‑guided pharmacotherapy for patients with ischaemic non‑cardioembolic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The project addresses a key limitation of current stroke treatment: individual genetic differences can significantly influence the effectiveness and safety of commonly used antiplatelet and statin therapies, yet this variability is not taken into account in routine clinical practice.

Central to the project is a large multicentre, randomised clinical trial enrolling approximately 2,250 patients in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. The trial investigates whether genotype‑guided treatment strategies can reduce recurrent cardiovascular events while minimising adverse drug reactions, compared to standard‑of‑care treatment. In addition, the project includes biomarker discovery, methodological development, and harmonisation of pharmacogenomic data reporting and integration into electronic health record systems.

Mikko Niemi’s research group at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, statistics, and data science, with a strong translational focus. The group works closely with clinical collaborators and international partners to generate high‑quality, practice‑changing evidence aimed at accelerating the adoption of personalised medicine in real‑world healthcare.

More information about the SPOCK project is available at: https://www.eppermed.eu/funding-projects/projects-results/project-database/spock/

Tasks

The selected Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher will work as part of the SPOCK project and contribute to:

• Participation in interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical and international research partners.
• Preparation of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations.
• For Doctoral Researchers: completing doctoral studies and working toward a PhD degree in a relevant doctoral programme.
• Other research‑related and administrative tasks supporting the goals of the SPOCK project.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Researcher: Licentiate in Medicine or Master’s degree in pharmacy or another relevant field.
• Postdoctoral Researcher: The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of employment. A doctoral degree in medicine, pharmacy, or a closely related discipline.

For both positions:

• Previous experience in clinical trials and/or in the scientific field of project is considered an advantage
• Previous experience with REDCap software, particularly in research or data collection contexts, is considered a plus.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a research group.
• Team‑oriented and proactive mindset.
• Good communication skills in English (oral and written).
• Finnish/Swedish language skills are considered an advantage.

The Doctoral Researcher should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

What we offer

The salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be based on level 2-4 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities.

The salary of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities.

In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance.

The employment is fixed term, and it starts as soon as possible or agreed and ends on 31.12.2028.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, insurance for work-related travel and occupational accidents, sports services at a reduced price, and opportunities for professional development.

The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

Please read more why you should choose the University of Helsinki as your next place to work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki

How to apply

Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in Finnish or English:

• Cover letter (max 1 page).
• CV (max 1 page).
• Copy of your Master or Doctoral diploma.
• (Optional) List of publications or other relevant supporting documents.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

The deadline for applications is 22nd of May 2026. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

For more information on the position, please contact Project Coordinator Petri Mäkelä petri.makela@helsinki.fi

Technical support for using the recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi