Doctoral Researcher, Cancer Data Science Full-time

Doctoral Researcher, Cancer Data Science

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine invites applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher in the Cancer Data Science group led by Associate Professor Mariike Kuijjer, at the iCAN Flagship in Digital Precision Cancer Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. The position is funded through a project by the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation titled “Regulatory determinants of metastatic progression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.” The ideal starting date is summer or early fall 2026, but this is flexible and can be discussed. The appointment is a full-time position and is made for a period of three years with possible extension depending on future funding.

The Kuijjer group was established in 2018 at the University of Oslo and expanded to the University of Helsinki in 2025. The group focuses on developing computational and data science approaches to increase our understanding of gene regulation and how rewiring of gene regulatory networks can influence cancer development, progression, and disease heterogeneity. The group's current projects use network science and artificial intelligence to develop tools that (i) integrate multi-modal data, (ii) model gene regulation at increased genomic and cellular resolution, (iii) refine the analysis of genome-wide regulatory networks. The group applies these tools to study various cancer types, including ovarian cancer.

About the role The advertised project aims to identify regulatory determinants of ovarian cancer progression through regulatory network modeling and analysis. The selected candidate will apply and extend network modeling approaches developed in the Kuijjer group to model patient- and cell type-specific gene regulatory networks using bulk and single-cell ovarian cancer data. These networks will be analyzed to define patient-specific regulatory heterogeneity in primary ovarian cancer, identify regulatory rewiring that drives metastatic progression, characterize the regulatory mechanisms modulated by therapeutic pressure, and assess how these programs relate to therapy response. The project will leverage various publicly available datasets as well as data from the in-house Oncosys-OVA study led by our collaborator Prof. Anniina Färkkilä, University of Helsinki. Overall, the project combines methodological development with biological discovery, offering opportunities to contribute both to computational innovation and to mechanistic insights into ovarian cancer progression.

The candidate We seek a highly motivated candidate with strong computational skills in the field of high-throughput omics data analysis, comparative genomics, functional genomics, or related fields. The candidate is excited about applying computational tools to answer questions in cancer research. They are collaborative and creative, and have strong programming skills dedicated to the analysis of large-scale genomics data. Experience with the analysis of omics data is required for this position. Knowledge of cancer biology is a strong advantage. Experience with high-performance computing, genomic data integration, biological network analysis, and/or gene regulation is an advantage.

Qualification requirements Master's degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, cancer genomics, network science, or a related field. Applicants with a background in biology or (bio)medicine are welcome to apply, provided they have documented expertise in computational biology Proficiency in programming (such as Python, R, Bash) Experience with analysis of high-throughput omics data is required Knowledge of cancer biology is a strong advantage Experience with genomic data integration, biological network analysis, and/or gene regulation is an advantage Experience with high-performance computing is desirable Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Teamwork skills and the willingness to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to a multidisciplinary research environment spanning Helsinki and Oslo Strong communication skills in English, with both written and verbal proficiency The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment.

What we offer A salary of 2600 – 2800 €/month depending on the candidate's qualifications A professional, stimulating working environment The University of Helsinki also offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

How to apply Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button. The application must include: A cover letter, stating your motivation, scientific background, documented experience with large-scale genomic analyses, and research interests A detailed CV with a list of publications and other research output, if applicable 2-3 references (name, institution, e-mail, telephone number, and relation to the candidate) These should be uploaded in.pdf format. Applicants may also upload their Master's thesis or other representative research work, if available. Please submit your application through the web-based recruitment system linked in the announcement. Although the recruitment system includes a basic CV, we ask candidates to also include a separate, detailed CV in .pdf format with their application. Applications without a cover letter and/or detailed CV will not be considered further. The closing date for applications is 31.5.2026. Inquiries about the position can be directed to Mariike Kuijjer: mariike.kuijjer@helsinki.fi.