Chief Specialist, Physical activity and functional capacity

LAB-ammattikorkeakoulu; Päijät-Häme; Hybrid; EUR 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

LAB University of Applied Sciences in Finland seeks an internationally recognized researcher to strengthen its Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group. The position offers a permanent, full-time role with a modern hybrid work model at either the Lahti or Lappeenranta campus.

You will collaborate with academic, healthcare, industry and public-sector partners, drive competitive funding, publish widely, and contribute to a strong national and international profile for LAB and its

Qualifications

• a strong track record of internationally recognized research and scientific publications.
• demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding.
• experience in leading multidisciplinary research and development projects.
• experience in collaboration with industry, healthcare, public sector, and academic partners.
• strong communication, networking, and scientific leadership skills.
• The ability to lead and develop a multidisciplinary research team; previous research group leadership experience is considered an advantage.
• excellent English language skills (CEFR C1) and good working knowledge of Finnish (CEFR B2), or a willingness to develop Finnish language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• conducting high-quality research in physical activity, functional capacity, rehabilitation, or related fields.
• acquiring competitive research funding from national and international funding instruments.
• leading multidisciplinary research, development, and innovation projects.
• publishing scientific results in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• building and maintaining strategic partnerships with industry, healthcare organizations, public-sector actors, and academic institutions.
• strengthening collaboration between LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University.

Skills

International publications

Funding success

Multidisciplinary leadership

Industry collaboration

Networking skills

English proficiency

Finnish language willingness

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Are you passionate about advancing research and innovation that improves physical activity, functional capacity, and human performance across the lifespan? LAB University of Applied Sciences is seeking an internationally recognized researcher with expertise in physical activity, functional capacity, rehabilitation, or related fields to strengthen its Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group.

We welcome applicants with expertise in areas such as physical activity promotion, prevention of functional decline, neurofunctional health, rehabilitation, digital health solutions, and data-driven assessment and monitoring of human function and performance.

What your work will be like

In this position, you will contribute to the scientific development of LAB's Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group and strengthen its national and international profile. You will participate in high-quality research, build multidisciplinary collaborations, and support the development of impactful research, development, and innovation activities.

You will work closely with academic, healthcare, industry, and societal partners in Finland and internationally. You will be expected to actively acquire competitive research funding from Finnish, European, and international funding programmes, publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, and strengthen cooperation between LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University.

Key research tasks include:

• conducting and leading high-quality research in physical activity, functional capacity, rehabilitation, or related fields.
• acquiring competitive research funding from national and international funding instruments.
• leading and contributing to multidisciplinary research, development, and innovation projects.
• publishing scientific results in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• building and maintaining strategic partnerships with industry, healthcare organizations, public-sector actors, and academic institutions.
• strengthening research collaboration between LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University.
• Depending on the selected candidate's experience and expertise, the role may also include leadership of the Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group and responsibility for developing its strategic research agenda and scientific activities.

What we expect from you

You have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as health sciences, rehabilitation sciences, sport and exercise sciences, physiotherapy, public health, biomedical sciences, human movement sciences, neuroscience, health technology, digital health, or another relevant discipline. Qualifications corresponding to the Finnish title of Docent (Adjunct Professor) are considered an advantage.

To succeed in this role, you should demonstrate:

• a strong track record of internationally recognized research and scientific publications.
• demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding.
• experience in leading multidisciplinary research and development projects.
• experience in collaboration with industry, healthcare, public sector, and academic partners.
• strong communication, networking, and scientific leadership skills.
• The ability to lead and develop a multidisciplinary research team; previous research group leadership experience is considered an advantage.
• excellent English language skills (CEFR C1) and good working knowledge of Finnish (CEFR B2), or a willingness to develop Finnish language proficiency. Additional language skills are considered an asset.

What we offer

The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of physical activity, functional capacity, rehabilitation, and digital health research within a rapidly developing university research environment.

You will join an innovation-driven university of applied sciences with strong regional, national, and international networks. LAB provides access to a growing ecosystem of companies, research institutes, healthcare organizations, and public-sector partners that support collaboration and the development of new solutions. You will work in an increasingly international, highly skilled, and collaborative community that values openness, curiosity, and teamwork. You will also benefit from LAB's developing research infrastructure.

Your primary workplace can be either the Lahti or Lappeenranta campus. LAB follows a modern hybrid work model that combines flexibility with regular collaboration on campus.

The position is permanent and full-time, starting on 1 November 2026 or as agreed. A six-month probationary period applies.

Employment conditions follow the collective agreement for universities of applied sciences (Sivistysala ry). The position falls under the working-time system for experts and support staff, with a regular working time of 36.25 hours per week.

The monthly salary ranges from approximately EUR 5,200 to EUR 6,100 depending on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise.

Interested?

For further information about the position, please contact RDI Director Kati Peltonen ([e-mail], [phone]). She is available for enquiries on Friday, 18 September 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00 and on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 09:00 to 10:00 (Finnish time).

The best of both worlds: studies and work. The LAB University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution specialising in innovation, business and industry. It operates in Lahti and Lappeenranta, Finland, and also online. We offer education in five fields: health care and social services, technology, business, hospitality, and design, fine arts and visual communication. We focus on supporting responsible, regenerative growth through intangible value creation, multipurpose materials, and human well-being. We have 10 900 students and 650 teachers and RDI experts.