Job Description

Are you ready to join an innovative and collaborative research team? We are looking for an

IT Specialist

to support ongoing research at the University of Helsinki, within the dynamic and international environment of the Färkkilä Lab. If you have a solid background in IT infrastructure management, scientific computing, and data management, and a keen interest in supporting cutting-edge biomedical research, this opportunity is for you.

The position focuses on the administration and maintenance of research computing resources, cloud-based data storage systems, and established bioinformatics workflows. The IT Specialist will ensure the smooth operation of computational infrastructure, support researchers in data processing and management, and coordinate the development and implementation of lab-wide IT practices.

Our Research

Our lab is part of the Research Program for Systems Oncology at the University of Helsinki and is deeply involved in analyzing and integrating complex datasets in cancer research. With support from prestigious funding sources such as the European Research Council, the Research Council of Finland, and the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, our team is dedicated to understanding the tumor microenvironment and how cancer cells evade the immune system.

We work with multi-omics, multimodal spatial profiling data, and functional models that have the potential for clinical translation. Our research has already led to advancements in ovarian cancer diagnostics and is making an impact in the field of cancer research.

Tasks and Responsibilities

We are seeking an IT Specialist to manage our research computing infrastructure, support data processing and management, and ensure efficient IT operations across the research group.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Computing Infrastructure Management: Administration and maintenance of CSC computing resources (Roihu, LUMI, cPouta), including resource allocation, shared computational environments, and user support.
• Data Storage and Management: Monitoring cloud storage systems, facilitating large-scale data transfers, and maintaining standardized data management and documentation practices.
• Bioinformatics Operations: Execution of established data processing pipelines from new research data, including immunofluorescence image processing and spatial transcriptomics workflows.
• IT Support and Coordination: Technical support for researchers for cloud computing clusters, maintaining IT guidelines, and coordination and development of lab-wide IT infrastructure practices.
• Website Administration: Maintaining and updating the research group's website, including personnel, publications, and research activities.

Required Skills

1. Master's degree in a relevant field, such as bioinformatics, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline.
2. At least three years of relevant professional experience in scientific IT support, research computing, computational infrastructure management, or related fields, or a PhD in a relevant discipline.
3. Proficiency in Python and Linux-based computing environments, including command-line tools and scripting.
4. Experience in the administration and maintenance of high-performance computing (HPC) or cloud computing environments.
5. Experience with large-scale data storage, file management, and data transfers.
6. Familiarity with scientific data processing workflows and computational environments, including software dependencies and package management.
7. Strong organizational, logical, and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
8. Excellent communication and documentation skills, including the ability to provide technical guidance to researchers with varying levels of computational expertise.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience working in an academic research environment or supporting bioinformaticians and biomedical researchers.
• Experience with CSC computing resources, particularly Roihu, LUMI, and cPouta.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics workflow management tools such as Nextflow or Snakemake.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker, Apptainer/Singularity, or Kubernetes.
• Experience handling and processing large biological datasets, particularly imaging, spatial transcriptomics, or other omics data.
• Experience in managing shared software environments and dependencies on HPC systems.
• Familiarity with database management, especially PHP and MySQL databases for biological data.
• Experience with website content management and maintenance.

What We Offer

By joining our team, you will be part of a diverse and international research group committed to improving cancer treatment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research at the intersection of IT and biomedical science, where your expertise will directly support cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

You will play an important role in maintaining and improving the computational infrastructure that enables our research, working closely with scientists from different backgrounds. The position offers an opportunity to develop expertise in research computing, high-performance computing environments, and the management of complex biomedical datasets.

You will be part of an informal and open work culture that supports both personal and professional growth. As part of our team, you will have access to excellent research infrastructure and work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that values collaboration, initiative, and continuous improvement.

This is a full-time position for 12 months (with the possibility of extension depending on future projects), but a part-time position with a minimum 60% commitment can also be considered. Depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience, the salary of the IT Specialist will range from 3400 € to 3900 €/month, on the qualifications of the chosen applicant. A six-month trial period will be applied.

The University of Helsinki 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 (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers).

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.

Please submit the following documents outlining your qualifications and motivation to join our team:

1. CV, including a link to your GitHub profile (if available).
2. Master's degree study transcripts.
3. Contact details of two professional references.
4. Motivation letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position.

The closing date for applications is 30.11.2026, but the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, please submit your application as soon as possible.

For further information on the position, please contact Joonas Jukonen, joonas.jukonen (at) helsinki.fi.

If you need technical support with the recruitment system, please contact HelsinkiUni Help, uni-help (at) helsinki.fi.