Visiting postdoctoral researcher, Institute of International Social Studies, Tallinn University

The Institute of International Social Studies (IISS) at Tallinn University invites applications for a Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Centre of Excellence for Personalised Medicine (TK214), funded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research (2024–2030). The project is coordinated by the University of Tartu, with Tallinn University as a partner, and is led at Tallinn University by Professor Marge Unt.

The position

The position is for two years, starting on 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the possibility of extension. The post may be part-time or full-time (20–40 hours per week).
The postdoctoral researcher will be based at the Institute of International Social Studies (IISS) at Tallinn University. The Institute’s research focuses on social inequality and stratification, including gender, nationality, age, generation, education, and labour market position. See more about the institutes activities here.

The research project
The Centre of Excellence for Personalised Medicine (TK214) is guided by the 4P vision of medicine: predictive, preventive, personalised, and participatory. Patient involvement and individual responsibility play a central role in improving health outcomes, strengthening prevention, and increasing the efficiency of healthcare systems. Informed and engaged patients are better able to adapt treatments to their needs, adhere to treatment plans, and make health-related decisions that reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Our team investigates social differences in perceptions of personalised medicine in Estonia, with a particular focus on:

  • trust in medical and data infrastructures,
  • perceptions of self-responsibility for health,
  • willingness to share different types of health, genetic, and lifestyle data with various data users.

The research relies on survey experiments and quantitative analysis of population-level data, and explores innovative analytical approaches to studying personalised medicine and health inequalities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Conduct independent quantitative research within the scope of the Centre of Excellence project
  • Analyse survey and administrative data using advanced statistical methods
  • Write academic articles for international peer-reviewed journals
  • Present research findings at national and international conferences and seminars
  • Contribute to the development of new research ideas and project proposals
  • Participate in the academic life of the Institute (remote work is possible for most tasks)

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. sociology, economics, statistics, social policy, psychology, or related social sciences).
Required qualifications include:

  • Strong expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis
  • Experience working with survey and/or administrative data
  • Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. R, Python, or Stata)
  • Excellent academic writing skills in English
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research team

Previous knowledge of theories related to social stratification and/or personalised medicine is considered an advantage.

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of:

  • Relevant research experience and ability to work independently
  • Methodological and analytical skills relevant to the project
  • Scientific output and future research potential
  • Ability to disseminate and utilise research results
  • Potential to contribute to the Institute’s internal and external collaborations

Terms of employment and salary

The position may be part-time or full-time (20–40 hours per week).

Researchers employed at more than 20 hours per week will, in addition to the Centre of Excellence project, also be involved in other ongoing projects at the Institute, in accordance with their skills and research interests.

The gross monthly salary for full-time employment ranges from EUR 2,600 to EUR 4,000, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and previous research experience. The salary will be adjusted proportionally in the case of part-time employment.

Application procedure 

After the deadline for applications the Board will shortlist applicants for assessment. Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

Application 

Application must include: 

  1. Cover letter (motivation)
  2. Curriculum vitae, including complete list of publications
  3. Up to two relevant scientific publications to be considered in the assessment
    o    For co-authored publications, applicants must clearly specify their individual contribution

Applications should be submitted by 12 January 2026 to epp.reiska@tlu.ee.

For further information about the position or application procedure please contact Prof. Marge Unt by email: unt@tlu.ee