Doctoral Researcher in Algorithms and Computational Biology

Department of Computer Science of Faculty of Science invites applications for a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ALGORITHMS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

starting from September 2025, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be offered a full-time contract for the maximum duration of 4 years. There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment. 

Position description

The successful candidate will work within the research project “Structural correctness in metagenomics assembly” funded by the Research Council of Finland in the research group of University Lecturer Leena Salmela. We develop models, algorithms and data structures for high throughput sequencing data with a main emphasis on genome assembly. The research group is part of the Algorithmic Bioinformatics lab at University of Helsinki.

The amount of sequencing data has increased enormously during the last decade. To analyze the data efficiently, it needs to be assembled to genomes or represented in a compact manner. However, current tools for assembly and compaction of sequencing data produce sequences with no estimate of their correctness which severely hampers accurate estimation of the correctness of downstream analysis.  In this project we will develop novel models for estimating the correctness of genome and metagenome assembly and algorithms and data structures for computing such correctness estimates.

The Doctoral Researcher is expected to:
1. advance the research project together with the project team and
2. conduct doctoral studies and research work leading to a completed PhD thesis within 4 years.

Your work may also include teaching duties (at most 5% of annual working time).

Requirements and eligibility criteria 

According to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to Doctoral Programme in Computer Science and obtain the study right within the trial period of six months of their employment contract. Please check the admission periods and eligibility criteria to DoCS: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-school-and-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-programmes-natural-sciences/doctoral-programme-computer-science/admissions-doctoral-studies. 

The doctoral researcher should have a master's degree in computer science or bioinformatics (or a related field) with an emphasis on computational sciences. Prior experience in algorithms is expected. Experience in analysing high-throughput sequencing data is a bonus. Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, are expected.

Salary and benefits

The starting salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be ca. 2650-2800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, support in access to high quality sports facilities, and vast opportunities for professional development.

Finland is a member of EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the happiest country in the world. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.

How to apply

Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in English:

• A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications (if any).
• An example of written analytical text (e.g. Master’s thesis). If the text is not solo-authored, detail your contribution to producing the text.
• Names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request (optional).

External applicants, please submit your application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

We are eager to fill this position as soon as possible and therefore encourage early applications. However, the absolute deadline for submitting applications is August 15th, 2025 (at 23:59 UTC +3).

More information?

For questions project and position related questions, please contact

• University Lecturer Leena Salmela, leena.salmela@helsinki.fi

For more information on the research group and publications, see

• https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/algorithmic-bioinformatics-lab/groups/algorithms-for-biological-sequencing-data 
• https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/algorithmic-bioinformatics-lab 

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Services (hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi).

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The Department of Computer Science is a leading unit in Finland in its area and responsible for the teaching and research in computer science at the University of Helsinki. The main research fields at the department are artificial intelligence, big data frameworks, bioinformatics, data analysis, data science, discrete and machine learning algorithms, distributed, intelligent, and interactive systems, networks, security, and software and database systems. The department has extensive international collaboration with companies and universities. Within teaching, the department’s professors and staff are in charge of the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programmes in Computer Science, as well as the separate Master’s Programme in Data Science, in which other departments also participate.