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Postdoctoral researcher, doctoral researcher or project researcher, health data analytics

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/finland.png Finland
  • University/Institute Name University of Turku
  • Position Funding Type
  • Unspecified Unspecified
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Position Details

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

The Department of Computing at University of Turku, Finland is looking for a postdoctoral researcher, doctoral researcher or project researcher to develop machine learning methods for health data analytics. The fixed term position starts on mutual agreement, but 1.10.2025 at the earliest and ends on 30.9.2026. The position is full-time, although part-time work is possible on mutual agreement.

Job description

Our research team is looking for data analytics expert who is interested in the use of health data and the associated privacy issues. The hired researcher will work for a collaborative project “Privacy compliant health data as a service for AI development” (PHASE IV AI) funded by the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. The project aims to facilitate more efficient data sharing and exploitation within the European health ecosystem. The solutions developed by the project partners will be based on two key technologies: machine learning algorithms that generate artificial yet realistic data points (synthetic health data) and secure multi-party computation.
In PHASE IV AI project, the role of the University of Turku and our research group is to apply the latest machine learning methods in the field to protect patients’ privacy. The solutions to be developed will be based on pseudonymization, anonymization, and synthetic data generation. Using real health data as a source of information, we aim to create test datasets and statistical models that minimize the risk of privacy disclosures. The tasks also involve the evaluation of the generated datasets and statistical models concerning privacy and utility. For this purpose, we can select metrics from the existing literature but also develop new ones.
The PHASE IV AI project is implemented by 21 organizations from ten European countries, with the University of Turku coordinating the activities. The research conducted at the Department of Computing is jointly led by the Digital Health Technology research group and the Algorithms and Computational Intelligence Laboratory. The University of Turku team working directly on the project consists of three experience researchers, and the work would be carried out in collaboration with them. For more information about the project, see PHASE IV AI – Privacy Compliant Health Data As A Service For AI Development 

What we offer:

  • A high-quality research environment.
  • The prospects to build an international research career within a European collaborative network.
  • A working culture, where team members are treated as equals and open discussion is encouraged.
  • Training in the state-of-the-art machine learning models suited for analyzing sensitive datasets.
  • Opportunities for conducting research on real health data and finding solutions that serve the RDI needs within the European ecosystem of health.

Who we are looking for

What we expect from applicants:

  • A degree in a computationally oriented field, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, biomedical engineering, or health technology.
  • Proficiency in AI-based data analytics. Applicants should be able to implement data analytics processes and algorithms in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
  • The ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research group.
  • Independent work, collaboration skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical abilities.
  • Sufficient proficiency in the English language.

The following skills and qualifications will be considered as assets:

  • Basic knowledge of statistical disclosure control as well as pseudonymization and anonymization techniques.
  • Familiarity with the principles of differential privacy (DP).
  • Knowledge of machine learning methods for generating synthetic data.
  • Previous experience working with health data, such as registry data or biomedical imaging.

Qualification requirements

The qualification requirements for the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: rules-of-procedure.pdf. 

A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills.  

A person selected for the post of doctoral researcher is required to have a right to pursue a doctoral degree. In addition, when acquiring their degree or otherwise, they are required to have demonstrated the ability to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

A person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.

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

Benefits

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 employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR 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.

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.   

For a postdoctoral researcher (OV5-OV6), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3600–3900 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.

For a doctoral researcher or a project researcher (OV02-OV04), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 2500–2700 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.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is September 11, 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • a CV with contact information for two referees
  • list of publications (if applicable)
  • degree certificates with translation in English or in Finnish
  • study transcript (doctoral researcher and project researcher positions)
  • motivation letter
  • any other documents that may influence the filling of the position.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Antti Airola ([email protected]) or Prof. Tapio Pahikkala ([email protected]).

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Nina Reini ([email protected]).

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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