We are seeking a Doctoral Researcher to join Prof. Harri Piitulainen’s Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR) group for a project titled "Mapping function of hand proprioception in the human motor cortex (ProMap)" funded by the Research Council of Finland.

Doctoral Researcher MOTOR ProMap

This fixed-term position runs from 15 October 2024 to 31 August 2028, or as agreed.

Tasks and Qualifications

Tasks and Qualifications

As a Doctoral Researcher, your responsibilities will include preparing the PhD thesis plan, conducting research, reporting results, completing PhD studies, and engaging in societal interaction. Additional research and teaching tasks may also be required.

In this role, you will utilize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map cortical proprioceptive representations of stimulated and active hand movements in healthy participants. The research will be conducted using 3T-fMRI at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, in Jyväskylä, Finland, with visits to the USA for data collection using state-of-the-art 7T-fMRI at Harvard University (Boston) and/or National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda, Washington) in collaboration with local research groups.

Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in neuroscience, sport science, engineering, physics, psychology, or a related field, along with fluent spoken and written English skills. Preference will be given to those with knowledge in:

• Neuroimaging methodology and analysis (fMRI, MEG, EEG, TMS, PET, etc.)
• Behavioral measurements and analysis (biomechanics, etc.)
• Biomedical signal processing
• Programming (Matlab, Python, etc.)

Applicants without a current right to pursue a postgraduate degree must apply for it within the faculty's application periods after starting the position. A study right for a postgraduate degree at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, is required for the Doctoral Researcher position. Final-stage master's degree students are also encouraged to apply. More details are available on our doctoral education page.

doctoral education page

The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills for Doctoral Researchers are outlined in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines.

University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines

What We Offer

What We Offer

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our international and multidisciplinary community, with the opportunity to influence global research. Our vibrant campus offers numerous facilities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

We provide a range of staff benefits, including occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities, and several on-campus restaurants and cafes with staff discounts. Finland offers comprehensive social security, including sickness benefits, family benefits, and a robust healthcare system. Learn more about working at the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland in our International Staff Guide.

International Staff Guide

The salary for the successful candidate will be based on levels 2-4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff in the Finnish university salary system. The annual salary will be approximately 30,500 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus) at the beginning of employment, with increases as the thesis progresses according to the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. A six-month trial period will apply.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Please submit the following attachments as PDF files:

• Curriculum vitae (CV), following good scientific practice and, where possible, the CV template by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Application letter expressing your interest in the position
• Documentation of scientific merit and research, including a list of publications and/or other relevant project reports (to be added under “List of publications”)
• Copy of your highest degree certificate

For Further Information, please contact Professor Harri Piitulainen: harri.t.piitulainen@jyu.fi, tel. +358505680654.

For Further Information, please contact Professor Harri Piitulainen: harri.t.piitulainen@jyu.fi, tel. +358505680654.

Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

At the University of Jyväskylä, you can find your place in a human-centered environment with 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all, ensuring each community member thrives and develops. We value openness of thought and balance between research and education. Our beautiful campus is located in the heart of Jyväskylä, making JYU the third largest employer in Central Finland.

At the University of Jyväskylä, you can find your place in a human-centered environment with 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all, ensuring each community member thrives and develops. We value openness of thought and balance between research and education. Our beautiful campus is located in the heart of Jyväskylä, making JYU the third largest employer in Central Finland. University of Jyväskylä

Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. The Faculty offers two main study lines: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences, focusing on the links between physical activity and health to promote exercise and health from a multidisciplinary perspective, aiming to improve health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan.

Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. The Faculty offers two main study lines: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences, focusing on the links between physical activity and health to promote exercise and health from a multidisciplinary perspective, aiming to improve health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan. Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences Phone: 014 260 1211 Location:

Information for the Applicant

Information for the Applicant Information for the Applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting, you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting, you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.