Postdoctoral Researchers in Demography and Population Projections

• Population Research Institute and the University of Helsinki, in collaboration with IIASA and Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR)
• Full-time
• Fixed term for up to 3 years, with possibility for an extension
• Application deadline 11 November 2025

These positions, à 27-36 months, are part of the research consortium MigScene: Population Projections for Migration Scenarios, human capital development, and sustainable integration. MigScene is directed by Professor Wolfgang Lutz at PRI and IIASA in collaboration with Profs. Mikko Myrskylä from the MPIDR and University of Helsinki, Mirkka Danielsbacka from University of Turku and Research Professor Anna Rotkirch from PRI. It is funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland within its SKILLS-programme.

Consortium goals

MigScene explores how human capital and productivity may evolve in Finland and Europe under various educational, migration, and integration scenarios. It represents a methodologically ambitious and innovative study of future migrant flows and integration scenarios and determinants of future human capital development, making extensive use of the unique opportunities provided by Finnish population-wide register data. We develop and apply microsimulation and other projection tools such as conformal forecasting, bringing together experts from data science, economics, and the social sciences.

The consortium will produce a set of multidimensional population projections for Finland up to 2070 and compare Finland with other ageing societies. We also develop new indicators related to the human capital potential of young adults, and probabilistic projections of all key components of demographic change.

Job description

We are looking for Postdoctoral researchers for three full-time positions. Two positions will be at PRI and one position at the University of Helsinki. Post doc researchers will study migration and human capital using microsimulation models and other approaches based on Finnish register data. The project includes long-term research exchanges in Europe, including extensive stays at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria; and at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Germany.

The appointed researchers will be expected to publish research of an internationally excellent standard and to participate in the academic life of the interdisciplinary research team of the MigScene consortium. Additionally, the researcher recruited to the University of Helsinki is expected to contribute to the unit’s teaching (up to 5% annually) and to other research activities of the Institute.

What we offer

The PRI is a demographic and sociological research institute located in the centre of Helsinki. PRI is part of Väestöliitto, an NGO working for the wellbeing of families and the population. Väestöliitto is an equal opportunities employer and a family-friendly workplace. The PRI offers a vibrant environment combining high-quality research with policy initiatives and outreach activities. PRI is also part of the SHARE-FI and NetResilience consortiums. Our collaboration with IIASA provides specialisation opportunities at a leading centre of demographic modelling including microsimulation projections.

The Post doc recruited to the University of Helsinki will be affiliated with the Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health; its newly established Max Planck – University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health; and will also be affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.

The annual gross salary range will be approx. €45,000 – €51,000, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development are offered. The appointees are expected to reside in Finland.

Who are we looking for

The ideal candidate has a PhD in quantitative social sciences, e.g. Demography, Sociology, Statistics, Economics, or related disciplines, and is interested in migration, population scenarios and statistical methods.

The researchers should have strong statistical expertise in quantitative data analysis, and excellent skills in writing academic English. Experience of microsimulation techniques is an advantage as is experience with Nordic register data. Fluency in Finnish or Swedish is also a plus, but not obligatory.

Tentative starting date for the fixed-term positions would be 1 January 2026, or as agreed.

How to apply

Application should feature the following documents combined into one single pdf:

1. One-page letter of interest, including name and contact details of at least two references familiar with your academic work.
2. Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications. The latter may include links to relevant but unpublished academic work.

Applications to Väestöliitto and University of Helsinki positions are all sent through the Väestöliitto recruitment portal. In your application, you are encouraged to indicate whether your preference would be to join University of Helsinki or PRI. Alternatively, you may leave this open, and we will match you with the best fit. The work will be done in collaboration with both PRI and University of Helsinki.

Apply using this form.

Application deadline: 11 November 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Helsinki or online.

For further information about the position, please contact

• PRI: Research Professor Anna Rotkirch, anna.rotkirch@vaestoliitto.fi
• University of Helsinki: Professor Mikko Myrskylä, mikko.myrskyla@helsinki.fi

For practical matters concerning the application process, please contact

• PRI: Research Coordinator Johanna Lahtela, johanna.lahtela@vaestoliitto.fi

For more information about the MigScene research consortium, see
https://www.vaestoliitto.fi/en/research/migscene/