项目介绍

2024年11月7日

The BusyBaby project (Language development deficits and early interactive music intervention – a randomized controlled trial) lead by university researcher Dr. Paula Virtala and Professor of Psychology Teija Kujala is carried out in the Cognitive Brain Research Unit (CBRU) of the University of Helsinki Faculty of Medicine, as part of the Research Council of Finland’s Centre of Excellence for Music, Mind, Body, and Brain. We are seeking a doctoral researcher for our project, and offer a 12-month paid doctoral researcher position approximately from 1.2.2025 to begin the doctoral thesis. The multidisciplinary and extensive dataset offers several possibilities for designing a research plan according to the background and interests of the candidate.

The project

The BusyBaby study investigates how active and social musical activities, compared to equally active and social family circus activities, contribute to language development in infancy and toddler age. Furthermore, it will be determined how these effects are influenced by familial risk for language and reading deficits, intervention timing in relation to the children’s age and developmental stage, as well as social-emotional benefits of the interventions. The participants are aged 0 to 2 years, 50% of which have familial risk of dyslexia, randomized to either music or circus intervention groups. Effects of the interventions are investigated at three measurement points, before and after the 6-month intervention, and 1 year later at follow-up. Outcome measures consist of age-appropriate standardized questionnaires, language and neuropsychological tests, tests of musicality and motor abilities, and auditory event-related potentials with EEG to study neural processing of speech and music. Genetics related to dyslexia and language abilities are further investigated from DNA samples. The interventions and two first measurement points will take place mainly during 2024–2025; data analysis can be started immediately.  

Requirements for the position

The work requires an applicable Master’s degree (e.g., in psychology, logopedics, cognitive science, medicine, neuroscience) and experience with the topics and methods of the project. We will also consider applications from Master students at the final stages of their studies. Additionally, the applicant should have good skills in statistical methods and software on psychometrics or bioinformatics, self-direction, abilities to co-operate, organizational skills, and a lot of motivation. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the project, the candidate should also be able and willing to learn a lot of new information.

The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

Appointee 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 6 months of their appointment.

What we offer

We offer a paid doctoral researcher’s position in our project as part of the CoE for 12 months starting 1.2.2025 or as agreed. The salary will be according to the universities’ salary system (2448-2671 €/month). The aims for the one-year period are to come up with a research plan and funding plan for the PhD thesis, to participate in planning and executing the data analysis and publications in the project and based on that, to prepare the first manuscript for the thesis. Regarding the funding plan, we offer support and guidance for the candidate to apply for funding (e.g., private foundations, doctoral school positions). 

How to apply 

If you are interested or want more information, please contact paula.virtala@helsinki.fi.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by November 30th via the link “Apply now” below. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application using the Employee Login button. Most promising applicants are invited for interviews during November-December. In your application, tell about yourself, your educational background, experience and motivation, and attach your diplomas/list of completed studies and CV.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

More information on the project (currently in Finnish): https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/projektit/vauhtivauva 

About us
The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine.

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.

Research Programs Unit (RPU) of the Faculty of Medicine consolidates demonstrated research excellence, with focused research programs addressing the greatest challenges in human health: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit.

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