FIMM is seeking outstanding candidates for positions of

 
FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders in Data Science and AI for Molecular and Health Data

The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), invites applications for 1-2 FIMM–EMBL Group Leader positions. We are seeking outstanding data scientists who will establish independent research groups at FIMM and contribute to the development and application of cutting-edge statistical and machine learning methods in molecular medicine and population health.

This group leader search is for early-stage group leaders with significant international experience during their PhD and postdoc periods. The selected group leaders are expected to initiate a new independent research program in one of FIMM’s research fields. 

The positions are targeted to researchers working at the interface of:

•    statistical methodology,
•    machine learning and artificial intelligence,
•    large-scale molecular and health data.

We welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on either:

1.    Methods development

Designing novel statistical, machine learning, or AI methodologies for biomedical data, including but not limited to:

• causal inference and clinical prediction,
• representation learning for multi-modal biological data,
• uncertainty quantification, robustness, and calibration,
• interpretable and trustworthy AI,
• scalable methods for population-scale cohorts and biobank data,
• integration of molecular, imaging, text and clinical data.

2.    Innovative application of advanced methods

Applying state-of-the-art statistical and ML approaches in transformative ways to:

• large population cohorts and biobanks (e.g. FinnGen),
• genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and multi-omics,
• electronic health records and national health registries,
• disease risk prediction, stratification, and progression modeling,
• biomarker discovery and therapeutic target identification.

 
Background

FIMM is a leading molecular medicine research institute employing around 300 researchers and scientific support personnel from 34 different nationalities in a highly international and inclusive environment. FIMM offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of science and technology to improve human health and well-being. We are a dynamic and highly motivated organisation with a supportive and collaborative working culture.
 

FIMM promotes translational research, specifically focusing on human genomics and precision medicine, in addition to AI and data science in health. FIMM is hosting exceptional research projects combining population-level genomic, molecular profiling and health register data resources, such as the FinnGen study, nationwide longitudinal health registry, iCAN flagship discovery platform and EHR data. The research is supported by high-performance supercomputer LUMI and highly scalable cloud-based sensitive data analysis environments FIMM Sandbox and FinnGen Sandbox, and cloud-based datalake at HUS university hospital. Further information on the research areas and FIMM group leaders can be found here, 
 

The candidate

We are interested in group leader candidates who can provide novel and complementary contributions to existing research at FIMM and the University of Helsinki more broadly. Successful candidates will hold a doctoral degree in for example data science, statistics, bioinformatics, computer science or other relevant fields. Candidates with strong background in machine learning/AI and/or data science and interest in applying analytical methods to large-scale molecular and health data are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Candidates are expected to be able to leverage the data, infrastructure, expertise and networks available at FIMM, including the translational, clinical and industrial contacts.  

We offer

The group leader appointment is initially for five years with the potential of an additional four years based on evaluation by the FIMM Scientific Advisory Board. HiLIFE and the life science faculties offer regularly separate tenure track assistant/associate professor searches where highly successful FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders have traditionally been among the top candidates.
 

FIMM provides an attractive support package which includes the salary of the group leader, support to other personnel, consumables and modern laboratory and office facilities. The candidate is expected to significantly complement this budget through other national or international grants and/or industrial collaborations. 

Our group leaders can get access to FinnGen (520K genomes linked to lifetime health-registry data) and other nationwide datasets, which provide unique statistical power for discovery research and possibilities for translation. The group leader will enjoy access to the state-of-the-art infrastructures available at the FIMM Technology Centre, at HiLIFE, at the national Biocenter Finland network and international capabilities provided by the EMBL. 

Finally, the group leaders have a chance to work and live in a society with deep respect for science and a country ranked as the happiest for eight years in a row.
 

Qualification requirements

Qualification requirements include an MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degree, postdoctoral training and a track-record of high-impact publications in the top journals in the field and international mobility. Like a typical EMBL group leader position, the FIMM-EMBL molecular medicine group leader position is intended for an early-stage independent researcher, typically a candidate who has reached a career level equivalent to that applicable for applicants to ERC Starting Grant. We expect that the group leader will engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations with other FIMM research groups, and with the life science community in Helsinki and beyond nationally and internationally.

How to apply

Applications should include a cover letter summarising the applicant’s career, past research accomplishments and future plans (max 2 pages), a CV and a list of publications (with 5 most significant publications indicated), a short research plan (max 5 pages) with a summary of expected translational, medical or public health impact and the names of three references. 
 

The top candidates will be invited to an interview with the international Evaluation Committee and a site visit, as well as to provide a more detailed research plan and three letters of reference. The interviews and the site visit are tentatively planned as a two-day visit during week 21 (18-22 May). The call text will be updated as the dates are confirmed.
We hope the new group leaders will be available to start their research at FIMM during 2026.
 

To apply, please submit the application, together with your CV and a cover letter in PDF format through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply link. Please apply no later than March 15, 2026.
 

For further information please visit our website or contact FIMM Director Samuli Ripatti samuli.ripatti(at)helsinki.fi

 
Information for arriving international staff. In case you need support with the recruitment portal, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi 

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.

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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. Locally, FIMM collaborates closely 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.