Postdoctoral Researcher, Mathematical Modelling, Computational Neuroscience and Biomedical Imaging

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Mathematical Modelling, Computational Neuroscience, and Biomedical Imaging at the Department of Physics and Mathematics on the Joensuu Campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term of three years starting on 1 January 2026 (or as agreed).

Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 10 December 2025.

Role and salary

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Mathematical Modelling of Neurovascular Coupling: Navier-Stokes and Convection-Diffusion Approaches to Hemodynamics and Epileptic Foci (Hemo-Epilepsy) (website) research project in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology.

In this project, we explore and develop a spatiotemporal model to mathematically understand the dynamics of the neurovascular system (NVS) and its connection to neurovascular coupling (NVC), i.e., when the NVS is modulated by neural activity. To achieve this, our aim is to develop and validate new mathematical and physical methodologies with the aim of comprehending how cerebral blood flow (CBF) affects the NVS and the spatiotemporal NVC. This will involve a thorough study of the theoretical and numerical aspects of Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs), pressure-Poinson equation (PPE), and Convection-Diffusion equations (CDEs), specifically within the context of realistic, incompressible CBF processes. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be part of a team of researchers investigating the impact of CBF through the development of innovative mathematical and computational algorithms.

As our new Postdoctoral Researcher, your main responsibilities will include:

• developing and implementing advanced mathematical and computational models (e.g., Convection-Diffusion Equations, Finite Element Methods, Computational Fluid Dynamics) to investigate cerebral blood flow (CBF), neurovascular coupling (NVC), and neurovascular system (NVS), particularly in epilepsy.
• designing, implementing, and validating numerical solvers using MATLAB and Python, leveraging realistic brain geometries derived from MRI.
• integrating multimodal neuroimaging data (EEG, fNIRS, fMRI) to calibrate and validate models, enhancing the interpretation of neural and vascular dynamics.
• collaborating with international partners and contributing to simulation and model validation studies.

The project is carried out in Joensuu (University of Eastern Finland) in a multidisciplinary consortium consisting of clinical and computing researchers.

Working within the Hemo–Epilepsy project offers unique scientific and career development opportunities, including participation in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of applied mathematics, computational modelling, and neuroimaging. The position provides access to high-performance computing resources, including GPUs and supercomputing clusters, for advanced simulations of cerebral blood flow and molecular diffusion. The researcher will benefit from international collaborations and research visits to leading European laboratories specializing in neurovascular modelling and epilepsy.

The position will be filled for a fixed term of three years as from 1 January 2026 (or as agreed). The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project task. A trial period is applied to all new members of the staff.

Our university is a diverse working and studying environment, where inclusion and equality are promoted. We encourage and welcome applications regardless of age, gender, cultural background and nationality.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. For a Postdoctoral Researcher, the job-related salary element is based on level 5 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. At the beginning of the employment, the total salary will be approximately EUR 3,825 - 4,020 /month.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements

• a doctoral degree in Mathematical Modelling, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative field. The person to be appointed as a Postdoctoral Researcher must have completed their doctoral degree less than five years ago at the time of starting in the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.).
• good skills in spoken and written English
• strong programming skills, particularly in Python and MATLAB
• expertise in mathematical modelling, particularly in: Convection-Diffusion Equations, Finite Element Method, Computational Fluid Dynamics
• familiarity with brain imaging techniques, such as EEG and fNIRS
• experience in scientific computing and model validation
• background in neurovascular modelling or epilepsy.

The following will be considered an advantage

• background in neurovascular modelling or epilepsy.

Your benefits

You will have access to the University of Eastern Finland’s extensive staff benefits, including:

• the opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• excellent opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• extensive occupational health care
• a broad selection of staff training
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
• affordable sports services.

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in a meaningful role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 10 December 2025 by 23:59 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

• a CV (Template for a CV, TENK website)
• a list of publications (Template for a list of publications, Research Council of Finland website)
• copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
• a motivation letter (maximum of one page). In the letter, please indicate why you are interested in this research project and why you would be a suitable candidate for this position
• other documents to demonstrate your merits for the position.

If your degree certificate is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, you must provide official English translations of your degree certificate documents. All translations must be made by the issuing educational institution or an authorized translator. Each page of the official translation must bear the translator’s stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be accurate translations of the original documents. Translations made by applicants themselves will not be accepted.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Academy Research Fellow Maryamolsadat Samavaki, tel. +358 29 445 3367, email: maryam.samavaki@uef.fi.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Specialist Noora Hämäläinen, email: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel: +358 29 445 8302 or HR Specialist Iiris Korhonen, email: iiris.korhonen@uef.fi, tel: +358 29 445 8161.

Haemme tutkijatohtoria Itä-Suomen yliopiston Hemo–Epilepsia: Neurovaskulaarisen kytkennän matemaattinen mallinnus – Navier–Stokes- ja konvektio-diffuusiomenetelmät hemodynamiikassa ja epileptisissä pesäkkeissä -tutkimusprojektiin (www-sivu). Tehtävä sijoittuu luonnontieteiden, metsätieteiden ja tekniikan tiedekuntaan, fysiikan ja matematiikan laitokselle Joensuun kampukselle. Tehtävä alkaa 1.1.2026 (tai sopimuksen mukaan) ja se täytetään kolmen vuoden määräajaksi. Tässä tehtävässä tehtäväkohtainen palkanosa on vaativuustasoluokittelussa tasolla 5, ja lisäksi maksetaan henkilökohtaiseen suoriutumiseen perustuvaa palkanosaa, joka on 6–50 % tehtäväkohtaisesta palkanosasta. Tehtävässä edellytetään hyvää englannin kielen taitoa.

Tutustu tarkempiin tietoihin tehtävästä ja hakuohjeisiin yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Jätäthän hakemuksesi englanniksi. Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 10.12.2025.