Research Software Engineer / Programmer

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of   

 

RESEARCH SOFTWARE ENGINEER / PROGRAMMER

 

for a fixed term period of  22 months (until 31.12.2026), starting in March 2025 or as agreed.

 

This full-time position is part of Dr Ari Löytynoja’s project Medical implications of short template-switch mutations, funded by the Academy of Finland and the University of Helsinki. Dr Löytynoja is a bioinformatician who has carried out research on evolution and mutational mechanisms of genomes, including those of humans.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT
 

The project is funded by the Academy of Finland Proof of Concept funding scheme that promotes the utilisation of research results towards economic and other societal impact. In this case, the aim is to develop computer software and refine a collection of existing research software tools into an application fulfilling the quality standards of clinical diagnostics.

ABOUT THE POSITION
 

We are looking for a Research Software Engineer / Programmer with strong experience in software development, including good practices in testing and documentation. The job requires knowledge of Java, and prior experience in programming in Java (or a related OOP language) is mandatory.

The software developed in the project will be utilized by clinical geneticists and bioinformaticians working on high-throughput genome sequencing data. The job includes collaboration with representative end-users.

The job is placed at the Viikki Campus and may require occasional local travelling. Partial remote working is possible.

 

QUALIFICATIONS
 

 An ideal candidate has:

  • Experience and concrete demonstrations of practical computing and software activities in a research context, preferentially in Java
  • General technical fluency in computational aspects, including programming, HPC environments, and compilers
  • Interest in scientific research and algorithmics
  • Good English or Finnish language proficiency

 

SALARY
 

The gross total salary will be between 3500€ and 4000€, depending on the applicant's skills and experience.

 

WHAT WE OFFER 
 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

 

HOW TO APPLY 
 

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" below. Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Only applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link "Employee login". The closing date for applications is 16.02.2025.

Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English:
 

1) A curriculum vitae, 2) A statement outlining how the applicant would fit and contribute to the project, and 3) A link to GitHub repository or similar demonstrating the applicant's programming skills. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in February 2025.

Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and every candidate will be evaluated according to their unique experiences.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION
 

Further information about the positions and the research project may be obtained from Dr Ari Löytynoja, email ari.loytynoja@helsinki.fi.

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Open position

Due Date:  16.2.2025
Unit:  Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Sub-unit:  Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Progr
ID:  3792

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