Laboratory Technician for large-scale analysis of images

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of     
    
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
 

for the duration of 1 year from 1.1.2025 to 31.12.2025.

We build research infrastructure for social science and humanities researchers in Finland. We are looking for a laboratory technician to develop tools for large-scale analysis of images, the tasks include
 

•    evaluating existing image analysis tools, systematically compare them and their use for social sciences and identify potentials and challenges for the work
•    developing documentation and necessarily easy-to-use tools, such as graphical front ends, to make the make these tools simpler to apply for research projects
•    aid researchers in using these tools and push forward computational analysis of visual material
 

This position is located in the Helsinki Social Computing Group, an interdisciplinary research group focused on developing computational and digital methods for social science and examining the impact of algorithms and digital systems to societal live. In addition, the technican belongs to the Centre for Social Data Science at the Faculty of Social Science.

The person we are looking for
 

This position is aimed at early career scholars, either those currently pursuing their master degree (this position can be adapted to support master thesis writing), early postdoctoral scholars or people with a master degree and background in visual computing interested in social sciences. We are particularly looking for candidates with  
 

•    Advanced level knowledge of Python and/or R
•    Basic knowledge on supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches, or willingness to develop them
•    Basic knowledge of visual computing, image recognition or computer vision approaches, or willingness to develop them
•    Willingness to receive feedback through regular code reviews.
•    Good command of English language (no need to master Finnish language)
 

In your application material, please also explain your experience in Python or R, software development and visual computing.

Why work for us
 

We offer you an international, multicultural, and innovative working environment with interesting assignments related to research in the social sciences. We support your work with active guidance so that you can get the most out of your employment and ensure you have nice portfolio of software development skills for your future position.
 

The annual gross salary range will be approx. €28,600 – €30,900, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

The chosen applicants are expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

How to apply  

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.
 
Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" (“Hae nyt”). Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Only applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link “Employee login”. The closing date for applications is October 25th, 2024.
 
Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from university lecturer Matti Nelimarkka, matti.nelimarkka@helsinki.fi,  +358 (0)50 52 75 920. Preferably contact Dr Nelimarkka via email.

Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from HR on-site services: hr-socialsciences@helsinki.fi