Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics/Systems Biology

• The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki is hiring a fixed-term Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics/Systems Biology for the EpiTheraRx project, starting January 2027 and lasting until 31 August 2030 with a six-month probationary period.
• The researcher will develop systems-biology and bioinformatics methods, analyse large-scale single-cell and bulk multi-omics data, and contribute to RNA therapeutic target discovery while aiming to complete a doctoral degree.
• Applicants must hold an MSc in a relevant field, have good R and/or Python programming skills and experience in omics data analysis, and possess excellent English and teamwork abilities.
• The starting gross salary is typically around 2 500–2 700 EUR per month, based on the Finnish university salary system with a personal component and gradual raises as PhD progress is made.

The Faculty of Pharmacy invites applications for the position of a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER in Bioinformatics/Systems Biology

The position is a fixed term position until 31 August 2030. The start date is in January 2027. The position is filled with a 6-month probationary period.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics/Systems Biology to join the Systems Pharmacology research group at the Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki. The position is funded by the Research Council of Finland project “EpiTheraRx: Harnessing Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Alternative Splicing for RNA Therapeutics Innovation”.

The EpiTheraRx project aims to develop computational approaches for identifying disease-relevant alternative splicing events and their epitranscriptomic regulation, with the long-term goal of enabling more precise design of RNA therapeutics for complex diseases. The doctoral researcher will analyse large-scale single-cell and bulk multi-omics datasets, integrate genomics, epitranscriptomics and transcriptomics data, and contribute to the development of novel systems biology and bioinformatics methods for RNA therapeutic target discovery. The project is led by Adj. Prof. Antonio Federico at the Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences.

The duties of the doctoral researcher include conducting research in the project framework with the aim of achieving doctoral degree in accordance with the degree requirements of the University of Helsinki, supervision of undergraduate students, and other discipline-specific teaching. The teaching duties will cover a maximum of 5 % of the total working hours.

We offer

• An opportunity to join a newly established and growing research group, with the possibility to contribute to shaping its scientific direction
• Close and continuous supervision and mentoring
• A stimulating, international and interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Helsinki
• Opportunities to work at the interface of bioinformatics, RNA biology, genomics and systems medicine
• Access to national and international collaborators and research networks
• Support to publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed international journals and to present your work at scientific conferences

We expect

• MSc degree in a relevant field (e.g. bioinformatics, biology, biotechnology, biostatistics, computer science or other related fields)
• Good programming skills in R and/or Python; experience with Unix/Linux environments and bash is considered an advantage
• Prior experience in the preprocessing, analysis and interpretation of omics data and a strong interest in developing further expertise in transcriptomics, genomics and single-cell data analysis
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team

We also highly appreciate

• Previous experience with single-cell transcriptomics, genomics, epigenomics or epitranscriptomics
• Previous experience in building, analysing and interpreting molecular networks
• Ability to curate and integrate large scale biomedical data
• Experience with workflow management and HPC environments
• Interest in RNA biology, alternative splicing and computational method development

• Strong motivation for scientific research, curiosity, and a proactive attitude towards learning new methods
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Good time and task management

• Independent work capability

Right to pursue a doctoral degree

Please note that the appointee must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme (Doctoral Programme in Drug Research - DPDR) by the end of the 6-month probationary period of the employment, unless having already existing study right. The research plan and other application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) in the beginning of the employment period.

Salary and benefits

The salary is based on the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff according to the salary system of the Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a personal salary component. Doctoral researchers start from requirement level 2. In total, the starting gross salary of a doctoral researcher is typically around 2 500 – 2 700 EUR per month and raises gradually as the PhD work progresses.

The requirement level of a doctoral researcher is determined based on progress in the studies. Doctoral researchers advance to level 3, when they are in the midpoint of completing the work required for the doctoral degree, and eventually to level 4, when the supervisor estimates that the researcher can publicly defend the dissertation in approximately one year.

Read about the employee benefits at the University of Helsinki and why University of Helsinki is an excellent choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

Please submit your application and the required attachments in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System as a single PDF file (all under the section CV in the recruitment system).

The application should include

• a motivation letter (max 2 pages) describing why you are interested in this position, how you would contribute to this project and how you are qualified for this position.
• a detailed CV (max 2 pages) with full contact details, education/previous degrees obtained, prior work/research experience, link to the online version of the MSc/licentiate thesis (if available).
• contact information of one or more previous supervisors, employers, or other references/recommendations.
• list of potential publications (if any).

The closing date for applications is September 16th 2026 (23:59 EEST). Applications are reviewed already during the application period and Zoom interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place as soon as possible after the deadline.  

Further information

• Position and research project: Adj. Prof. Antonio Federico, antonio.federico(at)helsinki.fi
• Recruitment system and applying: HR Specialist Heidi Kauppinen, recruitment(at)helsinki.fi, +358504155341
• Faculty of Pharmacy: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-pharmacy
• Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
• Working at the University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers
• Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and also https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)

Related to admissions to doctoral education

• Application process to doctoral education (including demonstration of language proficiency): https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-education
• About doctoral programmes: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-programmes  
• Doctoral Programme in Drug Research (DPDR): https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-programmes/doctoral-programme-drug-research

Faculty of Pharmacy in a Nutshell

The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki conducts research in pharmacy and provides the highest education in the field. The Faculty offers the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy), Master of Science (Pharmacy) and Master of Science, as well as doctoral degrees (Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy) and Doctor of Philosophy). Additionally, the Faculty offers specialization studies in community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy as well as in industrial pharmacy, and actively participates in further education in the field. The Faculty also educates Swedish-speaking Master of Science (Pharmacy) graduates. The Faculty of Pharmacy has three divisions: Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology. Faculty staff from different study programs cooperate in the degree programs, which are responsible for the education leading to the degree.

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