Image Analysis Specialist/Engineer/Coordinator, Helsinki Bioimaging

We are seeking a highly motivated and goal-oriented Image Analysis Specialist/Engineer/Coordinator to develop and apply cutting-edge light microscopy image analysis workflows. The salary range is 3 140 – 4 440 € / month. Title and salary will be based on your experience, skills and merits. The position is initially available from 1.1.2026 to 31.12.2028.

The position

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply and integrate advanced image processing techniques to progress the fields of biomedical and life sciences. Working within a team of biologists, physicists and engineers, the specialist will help build robust and reproducible protocols to extract meaningful quantitative information from both simple and complex microscopy datasets and present it effectively. 

This is a joint position between Biomedicum Imaging Unit BIU at the Meilahti campus and Light Microscopy Unit LMU at the Viikki campus, which are open access core facilities offering a wide variety of basic and advanced light microscopy techniques to several hundred local, national and international users annually. 

Specific tasks

•    Develop and apply different image analysis approaches to, for example, segment, track, and characterize cellular structures and dynamics in biological systems, including 3D and timelapse light microscopy data, and embed these approaches into the general service portfolio of BIU/LMU.
•    Maintain custom scripts and software tools for microscopy image analysis and data processing, implement image analysis according to FAIR principles.
•    Create a well organised, version controlled (including software version packaging) space for sharing image analysis workflows.
•    Communicate concepts of image analysis and their relevance for biological questions to experts and non-experts.
•    Take part in the planning stage of users’ imaging projects.
•    Organise monthly Helsinki Bioimaging Call4Help sessions for users.

Qualifications

•    PhD in computer science, biological science (e.g. cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering), physical science, or related science or engineering field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience required.
•    Extensive experience with image analysis principles and algorithms.
•    Proficiency with command line prompting and at least one programming language. 
•    Familiarity with software engineering practices such as version management, build management, and testing.
•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a group.

In addition, one or more of the following would be advantageous:

•    Knowledge of light microscopy imaging modalities, and image artifacts.
•    Experience with 3D image data analysis and 3D image visualization.
•    Experience with machine learning or deep learning-based segmentation algorithms.
•    Experience with statistical analysis to interpret quantitative image data and generate biological insights.
•    Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary environment in academic or industrial settings.

Contract & salary

The position is initially available from 1.1.2026 to 31.12.2028.

The salary is based on the salary system of Finnish universities for technical and support staff. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance.  The salary range is 3 140 – 4 440 € / month. Title and salary will be based on your experience, skills and merits.

How to apply

Applications are to be sent by November 15th, 2025, using the UH recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. The application should include a short cover letter (max 1 page) describing your expertise and motivation for the position, a CV (max 2 pages), and the names and contact information for at least two references. 

Contact details

Further inquiries regarding the project scope or position details, please contact: maria.vartiainen@helsinki.fi
Maria Vartiainen, Research director
E-mail: maria.vartiainen@helsinki.fi
HiLIFE/Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland 

University of Helsinki (UH) is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. Helsinki Institute of Life Science HiLIFE is an independent research institute at UH that supports high-quality life science research across campuses and faculties. Coordination of open access life science research infrastructures is one of the key roles of HiLIFE, and these facilities are grouped into 17 thematic platforms. One such platform is Helsinki Bioimaging (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/infrastructures/bioimaging), which provides expertise and state-of-the-art equipment for modern light and electron microscopic bioimaging applications.