Faculty of ScienceDoctoral Researcher in Machine-Learning, Statistics and Data-Centric EngineeringDepartment of Computer Science of Faculty of Science invites applications for a DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN MACHINE-LEARNING, STATISTICS AND DATA-CENTRIC ENGINEER Full-time

Doctoral Researcher in Machine-Learning, Statistics and Data-Centric Engineering

Department of Computer Science of Faculty of Science invites applications for a DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN MACHINE-LEARNING, STATISTICS AND DATA-CENTRIC ENGINEERING starting from September 2026, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be offered a full-time contract for the maximum duration of 3 years (possibly extendable to 3.5-4 years). There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment.

The successful candidate will work within the research project “Advances in generalized Bayesian inference via differential-geometric methods” funded by the Research Council of Finland under the supervision of the Academy Research Fellow Marcelo Hartmann and Research Fellow Luu Hoang Phuc Hau (Nanyang Technological University). We have been developing computational algorithms and theory grounded in notions of information geometry and Riemannian geometry to enhance Bayesian statistical inference and machine-learning related methods. The successful deployment of statistical models and AI solutions relies heavily on the quality of underlying model assumptions and the learning algorithms they employ. The design of loss functions is therefore crucial in the process of model development to the specific tasks at hand. For instance, the Hyvärinen score matching principle has been widely applied in AI systems, particularly for tasks such as diffusion-based image generation. This project seeks to further develop and broaden the range of loss functions by incorporating concepts from differential geometry. Additionally, we leverage the theory of estimating functions to create optimal inference algorithms for the proposed loss functions based on its underlying Riemannian geometry, as well as for those previously introduced in the literature. These advancements hold significant potential for a wide range of applications, spanning scientific research and societal challenges at large.

The primary research site is the Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki (UH), strong synergy also exists between researchers at the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, supported by the flagship grant from the Research Council of Finland (RCF) for AI research, called the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI). This project is further related to the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS unit Helsinki and ELLIS Institute Finland). Both institutes aim to foster cutting-edge research and establish a globally recognized concentration of expertise in ML and Statistics. You will also have the chance to collaborate with researchers from University of Cambridge (UK), Technical University of Denmark, University of Warwick, Nanyang Technological University and Hamburg University of Technology.

The Doctoral Researcher is expected to: 1. advance the research project together with the project leader and 2. conduct doctoral studies and research work leading to a completed PhD thesis within 4 years. Your work may also include teaching duties (at most 5% of annual working time).

Requirements and eligibility criteria The doctoral researcher should have a Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Science (or a related field) with an emphasis on applied mathematics/statistics/machine-learning. Prior experience in the probabilistic machine-learning, neural-networks, statistical inference and data modelling is a bonus. Prior experience in some computer programming language is expected (Python, Julia, R, Matlab etc). Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, are naturally expected. In addition, according to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to Doctoral Programme in Science and obtain the study right within the trial period of six months of their employment contract.

Salary and benefits The starting salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be ca. 2800 euros/month, depending on the appointees' qualifications and experience. The salary will develop in accordance with the progress of studies. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland.

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.

How to apply Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in English: • A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page) • A curriculum vitae including a list of publications (if any). • One example of a written analytical text (e.g. Master's thesis). If the text is not solo-authored, detail your contribution to producing the text. • The names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request (optional). External applicants, please submit your application through the University of Helsinki's recruitment system via the Apply Now button. Internal applicants, applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button. We are eager to fill this position as soon as possible and therefore encourage early applications. However, the absolute deadline for submitting applications is July 15th, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +2).