Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher, Data-Driven Drug Design

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher position at the School of Pharmacy on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term until 31 December 2028 from 1 May 2026 onwards (or as agreed). Submit your application no later than 31 March 2026.

Role and Salary

We are looking for a motivated and talented Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher to join our Data-Driven Drug Design (4D) group. Our core research operates around the world-class supercomputing resources of CSC, in particular the EuroHPC supercomputer LUMI. You will also be part of the DrugTech Research Community.

As our new Doctoral Researcher/Project researcher, you will work in the School of Pharmacy on the Kuopio campus in the field of molecular modeling and data-driven drug discovery. As part of the project, you will have the opportunity to undertake an exchange period with the Kronenberger lab in Tübingen, Germany, where you will further develop your MD expertise and contribute to joint AI-driven research initiatives.

Your core emphasis will be on long-timescale Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations for large multimeric proteins, large-scale virtual screening (VS), and the integration of AI concepts into our drug discovery pipelines.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Conducting and analysing long-timescale MD simulations to characterise dynamics in large multimeric drug target systems, and translating these into structural ensembles for large-scale VS campaigns.
• Developing and benchmarking computational workflows that integrate modern AI and machine learning concepts (e.g., surrogate models, adaptive sampling strategies) into the drug discovery pipeline to increase throughput and predictive accuracy.
• Disseminating research findings by preparing and publishing high-quality manuscripts in relevant peer-reviewed journals, and presenting your work at international conferences.

The position will be filled for a fixed term from 1 May 2026 (or as agreed) until 31 December 2028. For a Doctoral Researcher, the fixed term is due to it pertaining to the candidate’s own doctoral degree. For a Project Researcher, the position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project task. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job-related salary element is EUR 2,281.48/month, based on level 2 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element can be a minimum of 6% and a maximum of 50% of the above-mentioned sum. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary will be approximately EUR 2,510 – 2,780 /month at the beginning of the employment relationship.

Our requirements and expectations

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• For a PhD position, you must be eligible for postgraduate studies and registered as a postgraduate student at the University of Eastern Finland (the Faculty's Doctoral Programme) or plan to complete your doctoral dissertation at the University of Eastern Finland. Otherwise, the position will be filled as a Project Researcher.
• Experience and skills in molecular modeling methods in drug design.
• Excellent or good skills in oral and written English: English is used as the language of instruction and supervision in this position.

Advantages

• Ability to work independently, formulate and solve research problems, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.
• Skills in programming tasks, particularly in natural science or AI-related areas.
• A track record of scientific publications.

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including the opportunity for flexible multi-location work, extensive occupational health care, a broad selection of staff training, staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services, affordable sports services. Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting, meaningful and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community. Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 31 March 2026 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

• CV (Template for CV)
• a list of publications (non-mandatory) (Instructions)
• a motivation letter
• copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas

If your diploma is not in English, Finnish or Swedish, an official English translation must be provided. All translations must be issued either by the awarding educational institution or an authorised translator. Each page of the official translation must bear the translator’s stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be accurate translations of the original documents. Translations made by the applicants themselves are not accepted.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Professori Antti Poso, +358 40 3552462, antti.poso@uef.fi

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Controller Sari Palviainen, sari.palviainen@uef.fi

Type of employment: Temporary position (shorter than 10 days)
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: 1 May 2026 (or as agreed)
Salary: The Finnish university salary system
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100 %
City: Kuopio
County: Pohjois-Savo
Country: Finland
Reference number: 388/01.01.03/2026