Senior Researcher or PhD student position in biomedical data analysis at University of Turku, Department of Mathematics and Statistics (fixed term)

A research position in biomedical data analysis is available for fixed-term 1.10.2019-30.4.2021 (18 months) or as agreed, with an option for extension. 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 researcher will become an active member of the research group of Ass. Prof. Leo Lahti, funded by Academy of Finland.

We are looking for a Senior Researcher, or PhD student with a strong track record to join in a project that focuses on the development and application of modern statistical data analysis techniques for human microbiome research in collaboration with leading domestic and international partners. Priority is given to doctoral graduates. We analyze gut microbiome variation and health associations in large-scale population studies, including spatial and temporal aspects over various time scales and multiple omics data types. This involves benchmarking and adaptations of probabilistic machine learning techniques, and contributions to the open research ecosystems in this area. The position provides versatile opportunities for developing as a researcher and building professional networks in modern statistical data analysis and in a rapidly growing biomedical application field.

The applicant should have background in a computationally oriented field, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, ecology, bioinformatics, or related areas, as well as strong written and oral communication skills. Experience in statistical programming, Linux, bioinformatics, and open science will be beneficial. The main working language is English; knowledge of the Finnish language is not necessary. The eligibility criteria for the position depend on the career stage of the applicant, and are defined in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku.

According to the rules of the University of Turku a person selected for the post of senior researcher fellow is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work. For the post of a senior research fellow on the third step of teaching and research staff career structure, evidence of scientific research work and the necessary teaching skills are also required. For the post of a senior research fellow on the second step of the teaching and research staff career structure, an individual with a higher university degree and especially strong practical expertise in the field in question can also be appointed. A person selected for the posts Doctoral candidate is required to have a higher university degree. A Doctoral candidate must also have an accepted research plan, and in addition, when acquiring his or her degree or otherwise, he or she is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan. Priority will be given to the person who has completed the doctoral degree. In this case, the job title may be a Postdoctoral Researcher. Alternatively, a person who has completed a higher education degree may be selected for the position.

There will be a trial period of 4 months.

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For Doctoral candidates the salary will be on levels 2-4 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2033,29 – 2535,20  euros per month. For Senior researchers the salary will be on levels 4-6 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2535,20 - 3423,25 euros per month. In addition, a personal work performance component (a maximum of 50% of the task specific salary component) will be paid.

Applications should be accompanied by a motivation letter, CV, a list of publications, a copy of diploma of the degrees, and contact information for 1-2 potential academic referees. Application deadline is on Sunday, August 25, 2019 (23:59). The applications must be submitted via the electronic application form of the University of Turku. A link to the application form is available above the announcement of this position ((Apply for the job) at https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies 

For further information about the position, please contact Leo Lahti, leo.lahti@utu.fi / +358 40 565 5872