Bioinformatics Specialist

Bioinformatics Specialist

We have a vacancy for a bioinformatics specialist at the University of Turku, until 31.12.2028. The official title used for the position is Project Researcher or Senior Researcher, depending on the person's education and experience. We are seeking a motivated bioinformatics researcher who holds either an MSc or a PhD degree and has strong computational and analytical skills, as well as an interest in supporting biological and medical researchers in analysing their unique datasets.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be jointly employed by the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Technology, and the Faculty of Science at the University of Turku, and will work in collaboration with the single-cell omics and proteomics service units at the Turku Bioscience Centre.

The bioinformatician's position will offer a vantage point in the rapidly developing field of immuno-omics, with versatile opportunities to learn and become an expert in the fast developing field requiring more and more data scientists. Turku Bioscience Centre environment provides a unique place to network with biomedical researchers and also with industry partners. Our multicultural and multidisciplinary organisation is proud to be a working community which fosters creativity and diversity.

Key Responsibilities

• Analysis and integration of large-scale data sets from transcriptomics, proteomics, genetics, epigenetics, and other omics technologies, along with medical data
• Deployment, testing, development and application of data analytic solutions for omics datasets, and keeping track of the newest methods in this fast developing field
• Supporting collaborative research projects that require skills in developing and applying data science methods, with the possibility to co-author manuscripts

Who We Are Looking For

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD degree in computer science, information technology, bioinformatics, biomathematics, biostatistics, or other relevant field
• Confident communication skills in English and strong project management and reporting skills
• Experience in various bioinformatics data analysis tools for large-scale omics data analyses
• Good programming skills (e.g. R, Python), and ability to work with version control tools (e.g. Git) and containers (e.g. Docker, Podman).
• Experience in setting up and administrating high performance computing (HPC) systems with advanced Linux competency.
• Experience in workflow systems (e.g. Nextflow) is considered an advantage, but not required.
• Previous experience in single-cell data analyses is considered an advantage, but not required

The qualification requirements of the position are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Qualities

• High work capacity and productivity
• Commitment to meeting deadlines
• Motivated and solution oriented
• Multidisciplinary communication
• Motivated to help experimental researchers
• Good interpersonal skills

Benefits

• Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
• Possibility to learn new skills in single-cell analytics
• Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport's services at a personnel price.
• We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time.
• An inspiring, international and dynamic and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!
• Flexible working hours and regular supervision
• Competitive remuneration package
• Membership of pension fund and insurance
• Occupational health by the University of Turku

Salary and Trial/Probation Period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position falls under the category of teaching and research staff, and the salary is determined according to the category in question. The salary will be c. 2500-3400 eur/month for a person holding MSc degree, and c. 3700 – 4000 eur/month for a person holding PhD degree.

The employment can start on 1 October, 2026, but the start date is negotiable. The position is fixed-term until the 31.12.2028, with a possibility for a potential extension. The position is subject to a six-month trial/probation period.

How to Apply: What to Do Next

The applications must be submitted at the latest on 25 September (16:00), using the electronic system of the University of Turku. The application should include a motivation letter (max 1 page), CV, a list of publications, degree certificates and contact information for at least two referees.

Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.

For further information please contact Professor Tero Aittokallio tero.aittokallio[at]utu.fi

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to HR Specialist Anne Jackson anne.jackson[at]utu.fi