Doctoral Researcher In Machine-Learning, Statistics and Data-Centric Engineering
Department of Computer Science of Faculty of Science invites applications for a
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN MACHINE-LEARNING, STATISTICS AND DATA-CENTRIC ENGINEERING
starting from November 2025, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be offered a full-time contract for the maximum duration of 3.5 years (possibly extendable to 4 years). There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment.
Position description
The successful candidate will work within the research project “Advances in generalized Bayesian inference via differential-geometric methods” funded by the Research Council of Finland under the supervision of Academy Research Fellow Marcelo Hartmann and Research Fellow Luu Hoang Phuc Hau (Nanyang Technological University). We have been developing computational algorithms and theory grounded in notions of information geometry and Riemannian geometry to enhance Bayesian statistical inference and machine-learning related methods. We are part of the Helsinki Probabilistic Machine Learning Lab.
The successful deployment of statistical models and AI solutions relies heavily on the quality of underlying model assumptions and the learning algorithms they employ. The design of loss functions is therefore crucial in the process of model development to the specific tasks at hand. For instance, the Hyvärinen score matching principle has been widely applied in AI systems, particularly for tasks such as diffusion-based image generation. This project seeks to further develop and broaden the range of loss functions by incorporating concepts from differential geometry. Additionally, we leverage the theory of estimating functions to create optimal inference algorithms for the proposed loss functions based on its underlying Riemannian geometry, as well as for those previously introduced in the literature. These advancements hold significant potential for a wide range of applications, spanning scientific research and societal challenges at large.
The primary research site is the Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki (UH), but strong synergy also exists between researchers at the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, supported by the flagship grant from the Research Council of Finland (RCF) for AI research, called the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI). This project is further related to the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS unit Helsinki and ELLIS Institute Finland). Both institutes aim to foster cutting-edge research and establish a globally recognized concentration of expertise in ML and Statistics. You will also have the chance to collaborate with researchers from University of Cambridge, Technical University of Denmark, University of Warwick, Hamburg University of Technology, and others. Please check our personal website (through hyperlinks in our names) for details and news.
The Doctoral Researcher is expected to:
- advance the research project together with the project leader and
- conduct doctoral studies and research work leading to a completed PhD thesis within 4 years
Your work may also include teaching duties (at most 5% of annual working time).
Requirements and eligibility criteria
According to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to Doctoral Programme in Computer Science and obtain the study right within the trial period of six months of their employment contract. Please check the admission periods and eligibility criteria to DoCS: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-school-and-doctoral-programmes/doctoral-programmes-natural-sciences/doctoral-programme-computer-science/admissions-doctoral-studies.
The doctoral researcher should have a master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Science (or a related field) with an emphasis on applied mathematics/statistics/machine-learning. Prior experience in the probabilistic machine-learning, neural-networks, statistical inference and data modelling is a bonus. Prior experience in some computer programming language is expected (Python, Julia, R, Matlab etc). Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, are naturally expected.
Salary and benefits
The starting salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be ca. 2650-2800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, support in access to high quality sports facilities, and vast opportunities for professional development.
Finland is a member of EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.
A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.
How to apply
Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in English:
• A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications (if any).
• One example of a written analytical text (e.g. Master’s thesis). If the text is not solo-authored, detail your contribution to producing the text.
• The names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request (optional).
External applicants, please submit your application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system via the Apply Now button.
Applicants, who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki, are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.
We are eager to fill this position as soon as possible and therefore encourage early applications. However, the absolute deadline for submitting applications is October 22th, 2025 (at 23:59 UTC +3).
More information?
For questions project and position related questions, please contact
• Academy Research Fellow (PI) Marcelo Hartmann, marcelo.hartmann@helsinki.fi
For more information on the PI and publications, see
• https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/multi-source-probabilistic-inference
• https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/probabilistic-machine-learning/research-groups
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The Department of Computer Science is a leading unit in Finland in its area and responsible for the teaching and research in computer science at the University of Helsinki. The main research fields at the department are artificial intelligence, big data frameworks, bioinformatics, data analysis, data science, discrete and machine learning algorithms, distributed, intelligent, and interactive systems, networks, security, and software and database systems. The department has extensive international collaboration with companies and universities. Within teaching, the department’s professors and staff are in charge of the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programmes in Computer Science, as well as the separate master's Programme in Data Science, in which other departments also participate.