About the opportunity
The Barrett lab at the University of Helsinki is seeking a motivated doctoral researcher to join a newly established team focused on computational genomics for predictive medicine. The lab is jointly affiliated with the ELLIS Institute Finland, the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), and the Faculty of Medicine. The research aims to identify mechanistically meaningful subtypes of complex human diseases by analyzing large-scale multiomic data from national biobanks. The successful candidate will design and implement a PhD project, develop machine learning models to stratify disease risk and treatment response, and collaborate within an international, multidisciplinary environment. The position offers access to extensive biobank datasets and high-performance computing resources.
Salary and benefits
- Fixed-term employment for a maximum of four years
- Competitive salary based on the Finnish university salary system, starting at approximately 2600-2850 EUR per month
- Comprehensive occupational health care services
- Access to high-quality sports facilities
- Professional development opportunities
- Standard Finnish pension benefits
- Hands-on supervision from Professor Jeffrey Barrett
Who can apply?
- Master’s degree in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, or a related discipline (exceptional bachelor's graduates may be considered)
- Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis
- Research experience in computational biology or data science
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Motivation to work collaboratively on complex scientific problems
Required documents
- One-page cover letter (written in your own voice, without AI assistance)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publications and a GitHub link if applicable
- Contact information for two references
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 19, 2026, at 23:59 (EET)
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents (cover letter, CV, and references)
- Submit the application through the official University of Helsinki recruitment system by the deadline
Additional information
- The position includes a six-month trial period.
- The Barrett lab is part of the ELLIS Institute Finland and FIMM.
- The research environment includes access to datasets from FinnGen, UK Biobank, All of Us, and the Estonian Biobank.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a strong background in computational biology or bioinformatics who are eager to apply machine learning to large-scale genomic and health data.
- Researchers who value open science and are interested in contributing to collaborative, team-based software development.
- Individuals seeking to work in a newly established, high-impact lab with direct mentorship from an experienced principal investigator.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a fixed-term contract for a maximum of four years, which is standard for PhD positions in Finland but requires long-term commitment.
- Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous selection process and must demonstrate their own voice in the cover letter, as the lab explicitly discourages the use of AI for application materials.
- Relocation to Helsinki, Finland, is expected for this on-site research role.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to build a career in computational medicine or AI-driven healthcare. It provides a structured path toward a PhD while offering exposure to world-class biobank resources and a network of leading European AI and molecular medicine institutes.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for candidates with a solid foundation in data science or bioinformatics who are passionate about translational research. It is less suitable for those seeking purely theoretical work or those unable to commit to a four-year, on-site doctoral program in Finland.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
