2 Senior Researchers or Project Researchers: LifeFactFuture project / information technology

Department of Computing at the University of Turku is searching for 2 fixed-term Senior Researchers or Project Researchers for the LifeFactFuture project. The work can start at 1.9.2024 or based on mutual agreement. The positions are fixed-term until 30.6.2026. Both positions require presence in Turku.

The LifeFactFuture project combines world class-excellence of Finnish life science companies, technology companies and academic researchers. The goal of the project collaboration is to speed up the introduction of digital solutions and more efficient utilization of data and to make Finland the most attractive place in the world for investments in data-driven life science manufacturing. You can read more about the project from the press release:

https://www.utu.fi/en/news/press-release/unique-collaboration-strengthens-data-driven-life-science-manufacturing

The Department of Computing is responsible of the Technology Excellence work package. In the work package both development practices and AI solutions are investigated in the regulated environment. Therefore, two different experts are recruited to the project: one concentrating on AI / machine learning solutions, and one concentrating on data and RegOps practices.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

For both positions we require:

• University degree in the relevant field
• Good written and spoken skills in English
• For senior researcher position: PhD on topic relevant to the position

For both positions we appreciate:

• Previous experience on the field of life science manufacturing and / or regulated manufacturing environments
• Knowledge on the information systems used in the regulated manufacturing environment

The senior researcher / project researcher concentrating on AI / machine learning solutions will be responsible on designing and developing a prototype AI solution for regulated environment to analyze validation of AI-enabled processes and readiness of the pharmaceutical manufacturing environments for such solutions and investigating the current data architectures of the pharmaceutical manufacturing environments together with the other hired person.

For position concentrating on AI / machine learning solutions we require:

• Excellent knowledge on contemporary AI & machine learning techniques
• Capability to implement AI & machine learning solutions in practice

For position concentrating on AI / machine solutions learning we appreciate:

• Good knowledge on MLOps practices
• Knowledge on data architectures
• Experience with high-performance computing environments, cloud computing and professional software development environments
• Previous experience on conducting academic research on machine learning solutions

The senior researcher / project researcher concentrating on data and RegOps practices will be responsible on investigating the current data architectures of the pharmaceutical manufacturing environments together with the other hired person, constructing new, more agile methods for regulated digital solution development, and testing these methods with participating companies.

For position concentrating on data and RegOps practices we require:

• Good written and spoken skills in Finnish
• Excellent knowledge on agile software development practices
• Good knowledge on data architectures

For position concentrating on data and RegOps practices we appreciate:

• Previous experience on applying agile and/or RegOps practices in real-life development projects
• Good knowledge on RegOps and/or devops practices
• Good programming skills
• Previous experience on designing complex data architectures
• Previous experience on conducting qualitative case research on software development practices

Qualifications

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.

A person selected for the post of senior researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work. For the post of a senior researcher 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 post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.

Salary & trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a senior researcher the salary will be in the beginning of the employment around 3500-3700 euros/month and for a project researcher around 2400-2600 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills. The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions. 

Application guidelines

Applications must be submitted by Thursday August 8, 2024 at 16:00 (UTC+3) using the University's electronic application form. The link to the system is provided at the beginning of this announcement ("Apply for this position") and can also be found at utu.fi/career.

The application should be written in English and include, in PDF format:

1. A motivation letter (max. 1 page)
2. CV (max. 2 pages)
3. List of Publications (especially for the senior researcher position)
4. Copies of degree certificates with translation in English
5. Certificates of employment relevant to the position
6. Other relevant documents that may affect the decision-making

Additional information

For further information about the positions, please contact Assistant Professor Tuomas Mäkilä, tuomas.makila@utu.fi.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Department of Computing

The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology. 

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application