Posted on 13 Jan 2026
The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is currently seeking an
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Project: KUDOS Cellular Twins
Do you have an innovative mindset, enjoy exploring new ideas, and are you motivated by work that can lead to both scientific breakthroughs and real-world impact?
Our team is looking for an AI/ML expert with experience in biological microscopy image analysis and a strong interest in applying ML to cancer related challenges.
This is a 2-year fixed-term position (starting as soon as possible) within the KUDOS Research-to-Business (R2B) team. The role is part of an innovation-driven project with high commercialization potential and offers the opportunity to contribute to technologies that may evolve into a future startup or spin-out.
Our work focuses on developing advanced, data driven solutions to improve understanding, prediction, and treatment response in pediatric cancers, with broader applicability to adult cancers and other diseases.
Key responsibilities
• Design and build AI-based image analysis pipelines for multi-omics prediction tasks.
• Integrate molecular and imaging data to develop and expand the KUDOS multimodal data library
• Apply diverse data science and machine learning methodologies, including the development of novel analytical approaches.
• Work and communicate efficiently in a highly interdisciplinary environment that bridges the university and health care sectors, bringing together scientists, machine learning experts, and clinicians.
Essential skills and qualifications
• Master’s or doctoral degree (or equivalent experience) in mathematics, computer science, engineering, statistics, biology, medicine, or a related field. Experienced applicants with a bachelor's degree or similar can also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning–based image analysis / computer vision, preferably using microscopy data
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Additional background in AI and machine learning, including large language models, foundation models, multimodal learning, or agentic frameworks, to automate processes or enable new solutions—ideally within healthcare or pharmaceutical research, will be considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Finnish skills will be considered an asset but are not required
Desirable skills and experience
• Communication skills with a multidisciplinary team
• A curious mindset, team-working and problem-solving skills
• Experience in life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical research
• Familiarity with multimodal data integration (imaging, molecular, clinical data)
• Additional skills related to the team’s future strategy, such as software development
• Interest in translational research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
What we offer
• Great team!
• A collaborative and supportive interdisciplinary team and steering group
• The opportunity to work on technology with potential to significantly impact pediatric cancer research and treatment, with wider relevance to adult cancers
• A role at the interface of research, innovation, and early-stage commercialization
• A chance to help shape solutions that may grow beyond the project into a future startup or spin-out
The salary will be based on level 9 of the job requirement scheme for other personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities (YPJ), corresponding typically to approximately 3,600–3,900 euros per month. The position will initially be filled until the end of 2027. A six-month trial period will be applied.
To apply, please submit the application together with your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for job. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through the SAP HR portal.
Applications are welcomed as soon as possible - the call will be open until 2nd of February, 2026, and may be extended until the hiring decision is made.
For further information please contact Team AI lead Lassi Paavolainen (lassi.paavolainen@helsinki.fi), or project coordinator Minttu Polso or project PI Vilja Pietiäinen.
The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research unit focusing on human genomics and personalised medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki - a leading Nordic university with a strong commitment to life science research. As part of Academic Medical Center Helsinki in Meilahti campus FIMM collaborates locally with the Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and National Institute for Health and Welfare. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community.
Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is an institute established in 2017 that supports high quality life science research across the University campuses and faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths and new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for researchers to solve grand challenges in health, food, and environment. HiLIFE coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences and provides research-based interdisciplinary training.
The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.
Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.
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