RDI Specialist

The best way to know tomorrow is to create it yourself, and thats why we want to bring together the makers of tomorrow at Xamk. Working with us, you can have an impact on the work of the future and on society at large. Together, we can make our mark where its needed the most. How do you want to make yours? Do you want to help boost Eastern Finlands wellbeing with scalable, technology-driven solutions? In this role, you will build projects and networks that improve population health and strengthen Savonlinnas vitality – in collaboration with the wellbeing services county, companies, Xamk, and other regional experts. Savonlinna faces challenges such as high morbidity, an aging population, and a weakening dependency ratio. Addressing these requires new, scalable, technology-based solutions that promote health and prevent disease cost-effectively. As an RDI Specialist, you will accelerate the creation and adoption of these solutions. Health and wellbeing professional – do you want to leave your mark on tomorrows society by developing a new health and wellbeing network and project portfolio in Eastern Finland? We are now looking for an RDI Specialist at Xamk to lead the growth of Savonlinnas health and wellbeing competence hub. Your workplace will be the Savonniemi campus in Savonlinna. The position is full-time and fixed-term, starting on January 2, 2026, or as agreed. A probationary period applies. What does the position involve? Grow RDI activities and funding portfolio: Ideate, write, and coordinate competitive funding applications (e.g., EU programs, Business Finland, foundations) together with partners. Develop networks and business collaboration: Build long-term partnerships with Wellbeing Services County Eloisa, Xamk faculty, and local, national, and international companies. Launch and implement impactful projects: Pilot solutions in the Savonniemi Functional Capacity Lab, bring results into practice, and make the impact visible. Day-to-day, you will facilitate co-creation aimed at new solutions, craft compelling funding proposals, and promote collaboration between Xamk and other regional health and wellbeing experts and companies. You will work closely with the Health Promotion Research Unit and social, health, and sports professionals at the Savonniemi campus. The role includes some stakeholder visits in Finland and abroad. Why work with us? At Xamk, you can make a difference and have an impact on society at large. We promote a good team spirit that is shared by staff and students alike. We strive for new knowledge and research together and are always ready and able to help each other out. We value diversity and equality in our work community. At Xamk, you have the opportunity to plan your own work and working hours. We want you to be able to give the best of yourself both at work and in your free time. Your pay is determined in accordance with the Collective Agreement for Universities of Applied Sciences. We take care of your wellbeing by offering extensive occupational health care services. We also support your recreation activities by providing sports, massage, and cultural benefits. At Xamk, we love to learn new things. We encourage each other to learn more and develop our own skills through our work. We want to support you to continuously update your skills and so we offer the opportunity to complete studies at Xamks Open University of Applied Sciences, free of charge. What do we expect from you? Education: At least a Masters degree in a relevant field, such as health sciences, sports sciences, rehabilitation, nursing science, public health, nutrition, health/wellbeing technology, biomedical engineering, computer science/data analytics/biostatistics, behavioral sciences/psychology, social sciences, service design, or another suitable discipline. A doctoral degree is considered a strong advantage. Experience and track record: Proven success in securing external RDI funding (e.g., EU programs, Business Finland, foundations) and writing applications. Project management skills (budgeting, reporting, impact and risk management). Evidence of networking and stakeholder collaboration with companies, the public sector, and/or research organizations. Skills that help you excel: Understanding of health and wellbeing solutions (e.g., digital health, exercise and rehabilitation technology, prevention, reducing health inequalities). Basics of impact assessment and ability to integrate them into project planning. Communication and writing skills in Finnish and English; ability to articulate value propositions for funders. Facilitation and service design, experimentation culture, as well as knowledge of data protection and research ethics. Experience with wellbeing services collaboration, IPR and commercialization pathways, and company-driven pilots/living lab environments is an advantage. What are the steps in the application process? You can apply for the position by clicking the Apply button at the bottom of this page. Please also attach your CV to the application. If you are selected for the position, you will need to submit your education and employment certificates. The first round of interview is planned for the end of November/beginning of December. After this, we will invite some of the candidates to the next round. Once the successful candidate has been selected, we will contact all applicants. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the position in more detail, please contact Arto Pesola, director of Preventive health Research Unit.