Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology and Toxicology

The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki conducts research in pharmacy and provides the highest education in the field. The Faculty offers the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy), Master of Science (Pharmacy) and Master of Science, as well as doctoral degrees (Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy) and Doctor of Philosophy). Additionally, the Faculty offers specialisation studies in community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy as well as in industrial pharmacy, and actively participates in further education in the field. The Faculty also educates Swedish-speaking Master of Science (Pharmacy) graduates. The Faculty of Pharmacy has three divisions: Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology. Faculty staff from different study programs cooperate in the degree programmes, which are responsible for the education leading to the degree.

The Faculty of Pharmacy invites applications for the position of a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology and Toxicology

The position is a fixed term position until 31 December 2026. The start date is flexible, as soon as the recruitment decision is made and the candidate is available (preferably around 1 April 2024). The position is filled with a 6 month probationary period.

We are seeking for a talented and motivated PhD student in bioinformatics to join our team to work on the EU-HORIZON PINK (Provision of Integrated Computational Approaches for Addressing New Markets Goals for the Introduction of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design Chemicals and Materials).

The project is led by Professor Dario Greco, at the Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences. The aim of the project is to develop a framework to foster the development of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) advanced chemicals and materials. The successful candidate is expected to  develop novel systems toxicology methods and analyse and interpret big molecular data.

The duties of the doctoral researcher include conducting research in the project framework with the aim of achieving doctoral degree in accordance with the degree requirements of the University of Helsinki, supervision of undergraduate students, and other discipline-specific teaching. The teaching duties will cover a maximum of 5 % of the total working hours.

We offer

• A research group with a supervisor who has time and interest to support your research
• Enthusiastic and dynamic work environment
• Opportunity to obtain multidisciplinary skills in Systems Biology and toxicology
• National and international collaboration opportunities
• Obtain cutting edge publications in top journals

We expect

• MSc degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or other related fields)
• Ability to develop and manage knowledge graphs
• Ability to curate and integrate biomedical data
• Ability to infer, analyse and interpret molecular networks
• Ability to analyse omics data

We also highly appreciate

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Curiosity, genuine interest in science, initiative
• Understanding of toxicology
• Strong motivation in participating and implementing scientific research
• Good collaboration and teamwork skills
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Good time and task management
• Independent work capability

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.

Right to pursue a doctoral degree

Please note that the appointee must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme (Doctoral Programme in Drug Research - DPDR) by the end of the 6-month probationary period of the employment, unless having already existing study right. The research plan and other application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) in the beginning of the employment period.

Salary and benefits

The salary is based on the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff according to the salary system of the Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a personal salary component. Doctoral researchers start from requirement level 2. In total, the starting gross salary of a doctoral researcher is typically around 2 400 EUR per month and raises gradually as the PhD work progresses.

The requirement level of a doctoral researcher is determined based on progress in the studies. Doctoral researchers advance to level 3, when they are in the midpoint of completing the work required for the doctoral degree, and eventually to level 4, when the supervisor estimates that the researcher can publicly defend the dissertation in approximately one year.

Read about the employee benefits at the University of Helsinki and why University of Helsinki is an excellent choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers .

How to apply

Please submit your application and the required attachments in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System as a single PDF file.

The application should include:

• a motivation letter (max 2 pages) describing why you are interested in this position, how you would contribute to this project and how you are qualified for this position.
• a detailed CV (max 2 pages) with full contact details, education/previous degrees obtained, prior work/research experience, link to the online version of the MSc/licentiate thesis (if available) and list of potential publications (if any), and contact information of one or more previous supervisors, employers, or other references/recommendations.

The closing date for applications is March 1st 2024 (23:59 EEST). Applications are reviewed already during the application period and Zoom interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place as soon as possible after the deadline.  

Further information

Related to admissions to doctoral studies