1-2 postdoctoral researchers or project researchers: computational microbiome research

16 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Turku

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology
Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Finland

Application Deadline

2 Apr 2024 - 13:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

 

Department of Computing at the University of Turku is searching for 1-2 fixed-term postdoctoral researchers or project researchers in computational microbiome research. The work can start immediately, or based on mutual agreement during 2024. The positions are fixed-term until 31.12.2025, with a possibility for extension.

We are seeking 1-2 highly motivated computational biologists to join the research group of Prof Leo Lahti (Department of Computing) as a Postdoctoral or Project Researcher. The positions focus on computational microbiome research. The applicants are expected to support the research group’s activities, develop and apply statistical, data science, and machine learning methods in ongoing research projects, contribute to data processing and open research software, and actively seek to publish and disseminate research in journals, seminars and scientific conferences.The candidates have an opportunity to influence on their focus area within the general objectives of the project based on earlier experience and skills. We work on a wide range of topics with a focus on high-throughput omics data integration and analysis in large-scale population cohort studies (e.g. metagenomics, metabolomics), comprising up to tens of thousands of participants and aiming at groundbreaking scientific discoveries using high-performance computing environments. The work is linked to active international collaboration projects of the team. The work is research-oriented but may include contributions to other research-supporting tasks, such as coordination, writing of grant applications, teaching and supervision of PhD studies.

Who we are looking for

The positions require earlier experience and demonstrated track record in computational (life) sciences and English communication skills.

A suitable candidate has:

• Degree in computer or information sciences, (bio)statistics, (bio)informatics, epidemiology, physics,  ecology, computational biology, or a related field (doctoral degree for the post of Postdoctoral Researcher; MSc degree for the post of Project Researcher)
• Good scientific writing skills and a solid publication track record
• Relevant background knowledge including proven scientific programming and bioinformatics skills
• Fluency in at least one computational language and in scientific data processing, analysis, and
  visualization
• Willingness to learn new and multidisciplinary skills as needed
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and fluent English (written and spoken)
• Ability to conduct high-quality scientific research.

We also appreciate the following:

• Experience in microbiome research and population cohort studies
• Familiarity with metagenomic and metabolomic data analysis
• Experience with R, Julia, or Linux/Unix
• Experience with high-performance computing environments, version control, workflow managers, batch jobs and cloud computing
• Experience in open research software development, open science, and outreach
• Experience from research dissemination in e.g. seminars and conferences

Qualifications

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation .

The candidate selected for the position of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree relevant for the position and the ability to do independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. 

The candidate selected for the position of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree relevant for the position. The degree must be completed by the end of the application period. The person selected for the project researcher position is also expected to be interested in doctoral studies and must apply for the right to study at the University of Turku graduate school.

What we offer

We are a team of young scientists with a solid track record of successful mentoring, inter-institutional international collaborations in multidisciplinary research ranging from the development of targeted algorithmic data analysis and machine learning methods to applications in the study of complex natural and social systems. Researchers in Finland have access to the Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC; csc.fi), with frontline opportunities for acquiring state-of-the-art high-performance computing skills; CSC hosts LUMI, the fastest supercomputer in Europe. Our collaborators represent several top research organizations in the world, allowing for excellent networking opportunities with leading researchers from a wide spectrum of fields.

Salary & trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a postdoctoral researcher the salary will be in the beginning of the employment around 3500-3700 euros/month and for a project researcher around 2400-2600 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions. 

Application guidelines

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday April 2, 2024 at 16:00(UTC+3) using the University's electronic application form. The link to the system is provided at the beginning of this announcement ("Apply for this position") and can also be found at utu.fi/career .

The application should be written in English and include, in PDF format:

A motivation letter (max. 1 page)

CV (max. 2 pages), including contact information for 1-2 referees (name, affiliation, and contact information)

List of Publications

Copies of degree certificates with translation in English

Other relevant documents that may affect the decision-making

Research environment

We welcome you to our multicultural working community. In case you are not familiar with Finland as a place to live and work, we offer you orientation support.

We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

University of Turku is a world-class research university with an active research community in computational life sciences. It hosts an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland, and is the oldest academic hub in the country with traditions dating back to year 1640. University of Turku is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization with a collegial and family friendly working environment. The working language is English, and support for international staff is available. Further information is available at the website https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us . 

The team at the Department of Computing focuses on modern computational science with a stimulating international and multidisciplinary research environment. Key research areas include both fundamental and applied research in data science, machine learning, and AI. For more information of the recent research activities, see research team’s home page: datascience.utu.fi

City of Turku is a vivid, middle-sized student city with 200,000 inhabitants, beautiful natural surroundings and ample opportunities for free-time activities.

• Please learn more about the culture and the people:  Working culture
• This is Finland:    https://finland.fi/
• More information about why chose Turku as a place to study and work: https://www.turku.fi/en/study-turku/welcome-turku/5-reasons-choose-turku

Additional information

For further information about the positions, please contact professor Leo Lahti, [email protected] .

Regarding the recruitment process and technical support with the application system, please contact HR Specialist Nina Reini, [email protected] .

University of Turku reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Department of Computing

The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology. 

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Computer science

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

2

Company/Institute

University of Turku

Country

Finland

City

Turku

Postal Code

FI-20014

Street

TURUN YLIOPISTO

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-turku/2024/1-2-postdoctoral-rese…

Contact

City

Turku

Website

http://www.utu.fi/en/

Postal Code

FI-20014

STATUS: EXPIRED