Bioinformatician / Research Software Engineer / Postdoct in Single Cell and Spatial Omics

The TrueScreen Research to Business (R2B) project at the University of Helsinki is seeking a talented and highly motivated

Bioinformatician / Research Software Engineer or Postdoctoral Researcher

to join our interdisciplinary team advancing the frontiers of cancer research through single-cell and spatial omics technologies.

About the position
This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of computational biology, biotechnology, and precision medicine. You will contribute to the development of innovative bioinformatics tools and perform in-depth analysis of cutting-edge datasets, with direct relevance to improving cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Our lab focuses on biomarker discovery and clonal evolution in early-stage cancers, leveraging both computational and experimental techniques. We maintain close ties with clinical collaborators at the University Hospital (HUS) and are part of a vibrant research ecosystem at the University of Helsinki (Erickson Lab).
 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop Computational Pipelines for the analysis and integration of spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, and other multi-omics datasets.
• Analyze Omics Data at all levels, from preprocessing (QC, normalization, dimensionality reduction) to downstream interpretation (differential expression, gene set enrichment, and cell type annotation).
• Implement Machine Learning Approaches, including deep learning techniques, for multimodal data analysis and integration with histopathological images and transcriptomic data.
• Ensure Reproducibility and Scalability by managing and maintaining robust data analysis workflows on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Closely Collaborate with Clinicians and Wet-Lab Scientists on the experimental design and collect data for computational modelling and analysis.
• Engage Actively with the Research Community, participating in lab meetings, seminars, and collaborative projects, and supporting the development of shared infrastructure.
   

Candidate Requirements
Essential:

• Proficiency in Python, R, and Linux shell scripting.
• Hands-on experience with HPC environments, workflow management systems, and job schedulers.
• Expertise in machine learning and its application to biological data.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• A Master’s degree (or PhD) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Desirable:

• Previous experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics data, particularly in urological cancers (e.g., prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer).
• Experience in image analysis, digital pathology, or multimodal data integration.
   

What We Offer

• A collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where computational scientists, biologists, and clinicians work side by side.
• Opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and creative ownership in shaping computational solutions for cutting-edge cancer research.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact by contributing to projects with real-world relevance for patient care and precision medicine.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and cutting-edge experimental technologies.

The salary will be based on the University salary scheme and will be ca. 3800 – 4400 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

The employment is a fixed term position for 6 months, with possibility of extension, dependent on funding. A 3-month trial period will be applied.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. 

How to apply
Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

Please send:

1. A cover letter (no more than 1 page)
2. CV

The closing date for applications is June 30, 2025 but please submit your application as soon as possible as we will review them as they are received. 

For further information on the position, please contact Margita Engström: margita.engstrom (at) helsinki.fi.

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

Join us in pushing the boundaries of cancer research through computational innovation and contribute to the development of next-generation therapies.

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.

JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!  
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