"FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders in Data Science and AI for Molecular and Health Data"

FIMM is seeking outstanding candidates for positions of FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders in Data Science and AI for Molecular and Health Data.

The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), invites applications for 1-2 FIMM–EMBL Group Leader positions. We are seeking outstanding data scientists who will establish independent research groups at FIMM and contribute to the development and application of cutting-edge statistical and machine learning methods in molecular medicine and population health.

This group leader search is for early-stage group leaders with significant international experience during their PhD and postdoc periods. The selected group leaders are expected to initiate a new independent research program in one of FIMM’s research fields.

The positions are targeted to researchers working at the interface of:

• statistical methodology,
• machine learning and artificial intelligence,
• large-scale molecular and health data.

We welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on either:

1. Methods development

Designing novel statistical, machine learning, or AI methodologies for biomedical data, including but not limited to:

• causal inference and clinical prediction,
• representation learning for multi-modal biological data,
• uncertainty quantification, robustness, and calibration,
• interpretable and trustworthy AI,
• scalable methods for population-scale cohorts and biobank data,
• integration of molecular, imaging, text and clinical data.

2. Innovative application of advanced methods

Applying state-of-the-art statistical and ML approaches in transformative ways to:

• large population cohorts and biobanks (e.g. FinnGen),
• genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and multi-omics,
• electronic health records and national health registries,
• disease risk prediction, stratification, and progression modeling,
• biomarker discovery and therapeutic target identification.

The candidate

We are interested in group leader candidates who can provide novel and complementary contributions to existing research at FIMM and the University of Helsinki more broadly. Successful candidates will hold a doctoral degree in for example data science, statistics, bioinformatics, computer science or other relevant fields. Candidates with strong background in machine learning/AI and/or data science and interest in applying analytical methods to large-scale molecular and health data are particularly encouraged to apply.

We offer

The group leader appointment is initially for five years with the potential of an additional four years based on evaluation by the FIMM Scientific Advisory Board. HiLIFE and the life science faculties offer regularly separate tenure track assistant/associate professor searches where highly successful FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders have traditionally been among the top candidates.

FIMM provides an attractive support package which includes the salary of the group leader, support to other personnel, consumables and modern laboratory and office facilities.

Qualification requirements

Qualification requirements include an MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degree, postdoctoral training and a track-record of high-impact publications in the top journals in the field and international mobility. Like a typical EMBL group leader position, the FIMM-EMBL molecular medicine group leader position is intended for an early-stage independent researcher, typically a candidate who has reached a career level equivalent to that applicable for applicants to ERC Starting Grant.

How to apply

Applications should include a cover letter summarising the applicant’s career, past research accomplishments and future plans (max 2 pages), a CV and a list of publications (with 5 most significant publications indicated), a short research plan (max 5 pages) with a summary of expected translational, medical or public health impact and the names of three references.

To apply, please submit the application, together with your CV and a cover letter in PDF format through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply link. Please apply no later than March 15, 2026.

For further information please visit our website or contact FIMM Director Samuli Ripatti samuli.ripatti@helsinki.fi.