The Department of Computing at the University of Turku is seeking 1–2 Postdoctoral Researchers or Doctoral Researchers to develop advanced machine learning methods, with a particular focus on generative AI techniques. The successful candidates will analyze, predict, and fuse heterogeneous geospatial and time-series datasets to build digital twins for environmental ecosystems. The fixed term position starts on mutual agreement, but 1.9.2026 at the earliest and ends on 31.8.2028. There is a possibility of extension in the position. The position is full-time, although part-time work is possible on mutual agreement.
Job description
We are looking for an expert in data analytics and artificial intelligence who is passionate about multi-modal environmental data fusion, ecosystem dynamics modelling, and the application of generative AI as a decision-support tool.
The selected candidate(s) will work on the EU Horizon Europe-funded project PEAT-GENIE (Simulating Management Decisions with Peatland Digital Twins and Generative AI). The project is coordinated by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), and its European consortium comprises 20 partners across 10 countries.
The main objective of PEAT-GENIE is to develop a modular, interoperable platform that integrates fragmented environmental datasets, including:
- In-situ observations from European Research Infrastructures (RIs)
- National geospatial datasets
- Copernicus Earth Observation (EO) satellite products and climate simulations
The project builds AI-powered digital twins and leverages generative AI to translate complex modelling outputs into natural-language "what-if" scenarios and user-adaptive narrative summaries for decision-makers and non-technical stakeholders.
The Department of Computing at the University of Turku leads the core machine learning model development within the project. Your primary responsibility will be to develop efficient, robust, and generalizable machine learning and deep learning models for four key digital twin domains related to hydrology, greenhouse gases, land cover monitoring and biodiversity assessment. In addition, you will be involved in developing natural language query systems and designing them based on end-user needs. Therefore, close collaboration with end-users and other project partners will be essential throughout the project.
We offer a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of socially significant, highly topical climate and data science research. In our team, you will get to:
- Build concrete AI solutions that directly contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the green transition in line with the European Green Deal.
- Work in a high-level, multidisciplinary research environment leveraging state-of-the-art EuroHPC computing infrastructure (such as the LUMI supercomputer).
- Develop cutting-edge AI and Gen AI algorithms and push the boundaries of digital twin technology.
- Advance your academic and professional career in a critical field while establishing extensive international collaboration networks.
- Deepen your expertise in the latest deep learning architectures and generative AI methods applied to massive spatio-temporal datasets.
- Be part of a supportive, conversational, and innovative work community
Who we are looking for
What we expect from applicants
- A relevant doctoral degree (postdoctoral researcher) or a Master’s degree (doctoral researcher) in a field with a strong focus on algorithms, data analytics, or computational methods, such as computer science, information technology, mathematics, statistics, or physics.
- For postdoctoral researchers: demonstrated ability and experience in coordinating collaborative, multi-partner modelling work within a project framework to ensure the successful achievement of set targets.
- Strong expertise in AI-based data analytics and deep learning methods. You must be fully capable of implementing data pipelines and algorithms independently using the Python programming language
- Design interactive AI systems with natural language interfaces and translate AI outputs into decision-support insights
- Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research group.
- Capacity for independent work, good collaboration and communication skills, and strong analytical abilities.
- Sufficient proficiency in English.
The following skills and qualifications will be considered as assets:
- Experience in processing and spatially modelling remote sensing datasets (e.g., Sentinel-1/2, Landsat, drone imagery, or LiDAR), including multi-modal data and sensor fusion.
- Familiarity with modern data architectures, AI-ready data cubes, or technologies optimized for managing large-scale data assets.
- Prior engagement with Digital Twins or environmental science parameters (such as peatland hydrology, biogeochemical carbon cycles, or ecological biodiversity indicators).
- Familiarity with GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS)
Qualification requirements
The qualification requirements for the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: university-of-turku-rules-of-procedure.pdf.
A person selected for the post of Postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills.
A person selected for the post of Doctoral Researcher is required to have a right to pursue a doctoral degree at University of Turku. In addition, when acquiring their degree or otherwise, they are required to have demonstrated the ability to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.
Please note that before obtaining the study right for a Doctoral Program, the job title will be Project Researcher, and the employment contract will be made until 31.12.2026. The candidate is expected to apply for the study right in the next available Autumn 2026 call to e.g. the Doctoral Programme in Technology.
Thus, please check the student information and application criteria: Doctoral Programme in Technology - Admission Criteria and Instructions for Applicants | University of Turku (please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English).
Read more about the University of Turku's doctoral programmes and how to apply for study rights: Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku
In exceptional cases, we may also consider applicants who have completed nearly all the studies required for a master's degree in a relevant field. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Research Assistant and the starting salary (OV1) is on average 2400 euros/month, depending on competence and experience.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.
The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.
Salary and trial period
The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.
For a postdoctoral researcher (OV5-OV6), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3700–4600 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
For a doctoral researcher/project researcher (OV02-OV04), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 2500–2700 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.
A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is August 5, 2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applicants should enclose with their application:
- a CV with contact information for two referees
- list of publications (if applicable)
- copies of degree certificates with translation in English or in Finnish
- motivation letter
- study transcript (doctoral researcher position)
- any other documents that may influence the filling of the position (for example a valid English proficiency certificate, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL)
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Jukka Heikkonen ([email protected]).
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Nina Reini ([email protected]).
University of Turku reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
