1-2 Doctoral researchers in the field of medical AI

Position Details (PhD Program)

Faculty of Technology, Department of Computing invites applications for1-2 doctoral researcher positions in the field of medical artificial intelligence.The fixed-term position starts as soon as possible on mutual agreement, and the duration ofthe employmentis 4 years (48 months).

Job description

This is a four-year, fully funded doctoral researcher position in a highly interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment affiliated with the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) Institute Finland. The selected candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of precision medicine approaches and medical AI for improving diagnostics and treatment of cancer and/or other diseases with a significant societal impact. The research group hosting the position is led by ELLIS Principal investigator, Associate Professor KimmoKartasalo.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement novel computational approaches for robust,explainableand fair medical AI.
Collaborate closely with fellow group members and with national and international academic/industry partners.
Present results in the form of scientific publications and byparticipatingin international conferences and workshops.
Contribute to supervision of MSc and BSc students and other teaching activities.
Engage in training opportunities coveringe.g.grant writing, scientific publishing, intellectual property questions,entrepreneurshipand/or other activities supporting the applicant’s career development.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

MSc degree inbioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computer science, image/signal processing, machine learning,statisticsor related fields.
DemonstratedexpertiseinML/AI, with prior experience of applications in thehealthcaredomainconsidered a strong merit.
Experience of and interest in theanalysis of medical images and omics datais consideredadvantageous.
Strong programming and software development skills and familiarity with software frameworks relevant for ML/AI.
Excellentanalytical and problem-solving skills.
Interestin andexperienceofcollaborativeresearchwithbothacademiaandindustry. Internationalexperienceisconsideredamerit.
Good communicationskillsin English(written and spoken).

The eligibility criteria for prospective applicants are defined in theUniversity of Turku’s rules of procedure.

A person selected for the post ofDoctoralresearcheris required tohave a right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku. In addition, whenacquiringtheir degree or otherwise, theyare required tohavedemonstratedthe ability to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degreein accordance withthe research plan.

Please note that before obtaining the study right for a Doctoral Program, the job title will be Project Researcher, and the duration of the contract is 6-9 months. The candidate is expected to apply for the study right in the next availablecall toe.g.the Doctoralprogramin Technology.

Thus, please check the student information and application criteria Doctoralprogramin Technology - Admission Criteria and Instructions for Applicants | University of Turku (please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English).

Read more about the University of Turku's doctoralprogramsand how to apply for study rights Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku

In exceptional cases, we may also consider applicants who have completednearly allthe studiesrequiredfor a master's degree in a relevant field. Insuch cases, the job title at the start of the employment will beResearchAssistantand the starting salary(OV1)is on average 2400 euros/month, depending on competence and experience.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

A four-year fully funded PhD position in an internationally recognized research environment affiliated with ELLIS Institute Finland. 
Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and conferences in the fields of machine learning,bioinformaticsand medicine. 
Astronginternationalsupervisorteamguidingthecandidatethroughouttheirdoctoraleducation.
Ahighlycollegial,flexibleandsupportiveworkingenvironment.
Opportunities to collaborate with and visit outstanding international universities and industrial partners via the ELLIS network and other connections. 
Training courses for academic researchers, e.g., proposal writing, scientific writing, project development, teaching qualification.

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from ourCome work with us!pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use theHR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

ELLISis a pan-European AI network of excellence dedicated to securing Europe’s international leadership in AI by connecting top researchers and building a multi-centric research laboratory. As of 2025, ELLIS includes over 1,800 members and 500+ PhD students and postdocs working across 44 sites in Europe and Canada, organized into 42 Units and 2 Institutes in Germany and Finland, which serve as flagship centers for excellence, innovation, and global talent attraction. Established in 2025,ELLIS Institute Finlandbrings together 40+ group leaders across Finnish universities to advance research in both theoretical and applied AI, with a strategic focus on AI for health.

Salaryand trial period

The salary isdeterminedin accordance withthe university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.   

For adoctoral/project researcher(OV02-OV04), the salary will beinthe beginning ofthe employmenton average 2600-2700 euros/month, depending onpreviousexperience and skills.

The amount of thesalary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.   

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

How to apply

Pleasesubmityour application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is26  February, 2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Your application should include the following:

Amotivationletter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A list of publications
Copies of degree certificates with translation in English or in Finnish

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: ELLIS PI,Associate Professor KimmoKartasalo,[emailprotected].

With questions about the application process, please contact:HR Specialist Nina Reini,[emailprotected].

Universityof 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 notsubmittedapplications during the application period.

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.

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