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Doctoral Researcher in AI-Driven Synthesis Strategies for Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry

The Faculty of Pharmacy invites applications for the position of a

 

Doctoral Researcher in AI-Driven Synthesis Strategies for Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry

 

The initial appointment is for about 2 years, with possible extension depending on the candidate’s interests and research funding. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible after the recruitment decision is made, tentatively in October 2025, but at the latest in December 2025 (negotiable). The position is a fixed term position at the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology funded by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation. The position is filled with a 6 month probationary period.

 

This appointment is part of a project funded by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation's Major Cultural Project Grant, focusing on the development of novel deep learning tools to recommend reaction conditions for the synthesis of novel TRPA1 inhibitors. The project “A machine learning approach to computer assisted drug design” is led by Docent Juri Timonen, at the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology. Our aim is to create new machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to accelerate drug development. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of deep learning methods to predict reaction outcomes and optimal reaction conditions for organic reactions. The work will involve model development using Python and/or other programming languages, as well as executing organic (multistep) reactions in the laboratory.

 

We are looking for an applicant with:

 

  • A Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, data science, computer science, or a related field.
  • Experience in organic synthetic chemistry.
  • Basic programming skills in Python or advanced knowledge in another programming language that enables coding in Python.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international research team.
  • Fluent communication (oral and written) skills in English.

 

We also appreciate:

 

  • Proficiency in organic chemistry lab techniques.
  • Theoretical or practical experience in machine learning/artificial intelligence.
  • Studies in computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics.
  • Practical or theoretical knowledge in automated synthesis/robotics.

 

N.B. The candidates selected for interview will receive a preliminary assignment containing a short programming task and a short synthetic chemistry assignment. Completion of these assignments prior to the interview is mandatory and use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) is not allowed. 

 

The duties of the Doctoral Researcher include conducting research in the project framework with the aim of achieving doctoral degree in accordance with the degree requirements of the University of Helsinki. The appointee will also participate in supervision of undergraduate students and other discipline-specific teaching in pharmaceutical chemistry. The teaching duties will cover ca. 5 % of the total working hours.


Salary and benefits


The salary is based on the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff according to the salary system of the Finnish universities. Doctoral researchers start from requirement level 2.  In addition, the appointee will be paid a personal salary component. In total, the starting gross salary of a doctoral researcher is typically around 2 400 – 2 600 EUR per month, and raises gradually as the PhD work progresses.

The requirement level of a doctoral researcher is determined on the basis of progressing in the studies. Doctoral researchers advance to level 3, when they are in the midpoint of completing the work required for the doctoral degree, and eventually to level 4, when the supervisor estimates that the researcher can publicly defend the dissertation in approximately one year.


The University of Helsinki invests in the welfare of its employees by offering preventative occupational health services and general medical care. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers (including also information for arriving international staff).


How to apply


Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment Portal via the button/link “Apply now” or “Employee Login: Apply now”.

 

Please attach the required documents as a single pdf file under “My documents: curriculum vitae”.

 

The single pdf application should include:

 

  • a motivation letter (max 2 pages) describing why you are interested in this position, how you would contribute to this project and how you are qualified for this position
  • a complete CV with full contact details, education/previous degrees obtained, prior work/research experience, and list of possible publications and theses with links to their online versions (if available)
  • copy/copies of the diploma(s) of previous degree(s)
  • recommendation letter(s) and contact information of one or more previous supervisors, employers, or other references

 

The closing date for applications is 14 September 2025 (23:59 EET).


The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.


Right to pursue a doctoral degree

Please note that the appointee must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme by the end of the 6 month probationary period of the employment, unless having already existing study right. The research plan and other application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) in the beginning of the employment period.


Further information


Information related to applying study right

 

Faculty of Pharmacy in a nutshell

 

The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki conducts research in pharmacy and provides the highest education in the field. The Faculty offers the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy), Master of Science (Pharmacy) and Master of Science, as well as doctoral degrees (Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy) and Doctor of Philosophy). Additionally, the Faculty offers specialisation studies in community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy as well as in industrial pharmacy, and actively participates in further education in the field. The Faculty also educates Swedish-speaking Master of Science (Pharmacy) graduates. The Faculty of Pharmacy has three divisions: Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, and Pharmaceutical Biosciences. Faculty staff from different study programs cooperate in the degree programmes, which are responsible for the education leading to the degree.

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Haku päättyy:  14.9.2025
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