The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research unit focusing on human genomics and personalised medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki - a leading Nordic university with a strong commitment to life science research. As part of Academic Medical Center Helsinki in Meilahti campus FIMM collaborates locally with the Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and National Institute for Health and Welfare. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community.

FIMM is currently seeking a

Cloud system administrator

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic cloud system administrator to join the FinnGen project (https://www.finngen.fi/en) at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM). You will become a member of our group of world-class scientists, data managers, and bioinformaticians. You will work in the FinnGen E-science team with other cloud system administrator(s) to manage FinnGen’s Google Cloud-based secure scientific data analysis environment.

FIMM is the leading genomics research and bioinformatics unit in Finland. We manage petabytes of human genomic and health data and collaborate internationally with researchers, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers to improve health and well-being on a global scale.

The FinnGen project combines genome information with digital health care data from hundreds of thousands of individuals. The project aims to combine genetic information with digital health care data for up to 500,000 Finns. It is one of the largest studies of its kind in the world. FinnGen aims to improve human health by using genetic research to identify new therapeutic targets and diagnostics for treating numerous diseases. The project brings together Finnish universities, hospitals and hospital districts, THL, biobanks and international pharmaceutical companies to work on this common goal.

The E-science team is a multidisciplinary group of technical specialists ranging from system and data administrators to computational experts. Together the E-science team members have the skills required to support the project’s technical infrastructure requirements. The E-science team exists to help the researchers and the FinnGen project to meets their scientific objectives.

You will work in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to support and improve FinnGen’s data analysis environment used by hundreds of FinnGen project partner researchers. You will contribute to the project’s success by providing a secure, practical and cost-effective computational environment. FinnGen works with sensitive human data, and you will help ensure that the project meets national and EU-level data protection regulations, such as Findata data protection requirements and GDPR. You will proactively find solutions to challenging problems, engage with stakeholders to balance priorities and meet deadlines in a rapidly changing environment. You will be in direct contact with researchers to help them use the analysis environment and gather feedback for further improvements.

FinnGen is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of a new wave of big data applications that will improve our healthcare and well-being. We are a dynamic, vibrant and highly motivated international team with a friendly, flexible, and supportive working culture.

We will consider applications from both experienced and junior system administrators. Previous cloud experience is highly valued.

Essential qualifications and skills include:

• relevant higher level education (PhD is an advantage but not required)
• good oral and written English skills (working language is English and Finnish language skills are not required)
• comfortable with the Unix command line and with at least one scripting or programming language
• UNIX and/or public cloud system administrator experience
• ability to explain complex topics clearly
• willingness to proactively fill any gaps in knowledge to meet project objectices

An ideal candidate:

• has worked in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• has automated administrative workflows using cloud APIs
• has worked with large scale data sets
• has used genomic tools and data formats
• has experience with agile software development practices
• understands networking principles
• understands container technologies

Contract period, salary and benefits

The salary will be in accordance with the University salary (YPJ) system on previous qualifications, experience and performance in the position. The contract will be initially offered until the end of August 2023 with a possibility of extension.Trial period of 6 months will be applied.

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 University provides support for internationally recruited employees and their family members with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

Please submit as a single pdf file:

• Free formatted Motivation letter with highlighted previous experience (1-2 pages)
• Detailed CV
• Two reference letters and/or contact details of two potential referees who agreed to provide letters of recommendation

Please submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply for the position” link below.

Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal.

The deadline for applications is August 31st, 2021. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional information

For more information on the position, please contact the E-science team leader (timo.p.sipila@helsinki.fi) or Finngen project manager (mervi.aavikko@helsinki.fi).

For more information on the Finngen project, see https://www.finngen.fi/en

Due date

31.08.2021 23:59 EEST