The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en) is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in Europe and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world.

The Department of Computer Science (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/computer-science), which is part of the Faculty of Science, is a leading Computer Science research and teaching unit in Finland. The research themes of the Department cover machine learning and algorithms, computer networks and distributed systems, software systems and bioinformatics.

The Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher or Doctoral Student in Machine Learning Software Systems Research

to work on tools and methodologies for the software engineering of machine learning systems. To ensure that machine learning systems work for real, new ways are needed to ensure their correct and efficient operation as well as their smooth development and maintenance. At the moment we are running or about to start multiple European and national projects focusing on testing of AI systems, MLOps, and ML engineering.

The aim of our empirical and experimental approach is to come up with new and improved solutions for AI system testing, which can be applied in practice. The candidate is expected to analyze, measure, and model alternative ways to test different kind of machine learning systems and create new ideas and insights based on those. This includes implementing research prototypes to try out ideas and to collect and analyze data. Documenting the results in scientific papers is naturally important.

In addition to research, the Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to contribute to other common academic tasks such as teaching, generation of new research ideas, and writing grant proposals.

The position is full-time and fixed-term for ca. 2 years for Postdoctoral Researcher and ca. 3 years for Doctoral Student to begin with. A contract extension beyond that is a possibility, albeit not guaranteed. The starting date is negotiable, preferably by January-February 2021.

Requirements

Applicants for the Postdoctoral Researcher position are expected to have a PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g. computer science, data science, software engineering). Experience with software systems, large-scale software engineering, and machine learning is advantageous. Competence to write both research or analysis software and high-quality scientific papers is necessary.

Applicants for the Doctoral Student position are expected to hold an MSc in Computer or Data Science with excellent grades. Prior experience with machine learning and/or with software engineering is necessary. Competence to develop software to evaluate and analyze research ideas is mandatory. Applicants who do not currently hold a doctoral student status in the Doctoral Programme in Computer Science (DoCS) at the University of Helsinki are also eligible to apply but in the event of hiring they are expected to acquire the status during the standard 6-month probationary period. More information on applying for a doctoral study right in the DoCS programme can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/doctoral-schools-....

In both positions, curiosity, inventiveness, excitement to new learning, ability for independent work, and strong motivation to turn research findings into academic papers are key characteristics. The detailed focus of the work can be tailored based on the prior competence of the applicant.

Salary and benefits

The salary will be in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel, starting level 5 for a Postdoctoral Researcher level 2 for a Doctoral Student). In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be approximately 3400–3800 €/month for a Postdoctoral Researcher and 2300–2500 €/month for a Doctoral Student.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and live in Finland.

How to apply

Applications for the Postdoctoral researcher position should include (1) a CV with a list of publications, (2) contact details for two references, (3) a brief description of research experience (1–2 pages) with clear indication on the motivation to apply for this position, (4) a copy of a PhD degree certificate.

Applications for the Doctoral Student position should include (1) a CV (with possible list of publications included), (2) a copy of your transcript records (the courses completed during your MSc program), (3) contact details of two references (e.g. MSc thesis or internship supervisor), (4) and a letter (maximum 1 page) with a description of your research experience (if any) and interests and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project.

Please submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the Apply for the position button below.

The deadline for applications is November 5, 2020.

Additional information

For more information on the position, please contact Professor Jukka K Nurminen (jukka.k.nurminen@helsinki.fi) or Professor Tommi Mikkonen (tommi.mikkonen@helsinki.fi).

Due date

05.11.2020 23:59 EET