Postdoctoral Researcher

Summary of the project and research group descriptions

The research action Systems of Food and Drug Security (fooDrug) brings together University of Helsinki research across nine different units, to address challenges relating to the production, processing, distribution and use of food and drug products without compromising human safety, health, and cultural and social acceptance. We will enable the development of a more holistic, efficient and safe approach to new food and drugs and related technologies, as exemplified by advances in pharmacogenomics and nanomedicine, novel viral vectors, new food materials, improved food hygiene and enhanced human sensory experience.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in Professor Mikko Niemi’s research group, which is internationally recognized for research in clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and individualized drug therapy. The group is expanding its activities toward AI-driven clinical data analysis, modelling, prediction, and decision-support systems related to pharmacogenomics, food–drug interactions, drug safety, and personalized health.

The successful candidate will contribute to developing and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to large-scale clinical, biomedical, pharmacological, and food-related datasets, supporting the goals of the Profi8 profiling area.

More about the Profi8 project: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/top-research-areas-and-researchers/projects-funded-research-council-finland/profile-building-areas

Tasks

The selected Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Develop and apply AI / machine learning methods for analysis and modelling clinical data, food–drug interactions, drug response, safety, or related biomedical outcomes.
• Work with large, heterogeneous datasets (e.g. clinical, genomic, pharmacological, nutritional or real‑world data).
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research combining medicine, pharmacology, food science and data science.
• Publish research results in high-quality international journals.
• Participate in national and international research collaborations.
• Contribute to project reporting, grant preparation, mentoring of junior researchers and other research‑related and administrative tasks when appropriate.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Statistics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computational biology
• The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment.
• Scientific competence in developing AI methods, with proven publication record in scientific venues in the field, as well as programming skills.
• Scientific interest and contributions within drug, genomics, and/or clinical research, ideally with publications appearing in top-tier venues. Applicants with publications in a closely related field, but not exactly within the scope of the position, are asked to describe why their background is suitable for the position.
• Experience in working with real-world, high-dimensional or biomedical datasets
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong teamwork skills and a proactive, collaborative mindset
• Good written and oral communication skills in English
• Finnish language skills are considered an advantage, but are not required

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

What we offer

The salary of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance.

The employment is fixed term, and it starts as soon as possible or agreed and ends on 31.12.2031.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, insurance for work-related travel and occupational accidents, sports services at a reduced price, and opportunities for professional development.

The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

Please read more why you should choose the University of Helsinki as your next place to work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki

How to apply

Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in Finnish or English:

• Cover letter (max 1 page).
• CV (max 1 page).
• Copy of your doctoral diploma (or certificate of expected completion).
• (Optional) List of publications or other relevant supporting documents.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

The deadline for applications is 25th of May 2026. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Technical support for using the recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi