Summary
ELLIS Institute Finland, a rapidly expanding, world-class research hub in AI and machine learning, invites applications for multiple fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher and Doctoral Student (PhD) positions. Hosted in partnership with leading Finnish universities and research institutions, candidates will have access to world-leading compute infrastructure (including EuroHPC LUMI) and collaborate with top European AI researchers across theoretical, applied, and multidisciplinary domains.
Postdoc and Doctoral Student Positions at ELLIS Institute Finland (Autumn 2026)
Designation
- Postdoctoral Researcher (including an optional Entrepreneurial Postdoc track)
- Doctoral Student / PhD Candidate
Overview Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Organization | ELLIS Institute Finland (in partnership with Finnish Universities & VTT) |
| Positions Available | Dozens of positions across multiple research groups |
| Contract Duration | • Postdoc: Up to 3 years • Doctoral Student: 4 years |
| Funding & Salary | Fully funded; based on the Finnish universities’ standard salary scale + national healthcare benefits |
| Working Language | English |
| Start Date | Flexible (agreed individually; typically as early as possible) |
| Application Deadline | September 21, 2026 at 23:59 EEST (UTC+3) |
Research Areas
Applications are welcomed across all subfields of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related disciplines, including:
- Fundamental & Applied Machine Learning: Data-efficient probabilistic machine learning, generative modeling, amortized inference, interactive & cooperative ML.
- AI for Research: Methodological advancements accelerating scientific discoveries.
- Strategic Focus Initiatives: Strategic initiatives such as AI for Health (e.g., building nationwide foundation models for healthcare decision-making).
- Entrepreneurial AI Track: Taking cutting-edge research toward deep-tech startups and commercialization.
Location
Finland (Hosted at ELLIS Institute Finland and/or partner universities across Finland, including Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Tampere University, University of Oulu, University of Turku, LUT University, VTT, and others).
Eligibility & Qualifications
For Doctoral Student (PhD) Applicants:
- Degree: Master’s degree (MSc) in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or expected to graduate shortly).
- Academic Merit: Strong academic performance in relevant coursework and demonstrable foundational understanding of ML, statistics, or AI.
For Postdoctoral Applicants:
- Degree: PhD degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline (or nearing completion).
- Track Record: Demonstrated publication record in top-tier machine learning venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR) or premier venues relevant to the supervisor’s research domain.
General Requirements:
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Job Description
- Conduct high-impact, independent, and collaborative research in foundational or applied AI and machine learning.
- Publish scientific findings in leading international conferences and journals.
- Collaborate with domestic and international researchers, partner academic institutions, and industry/startup ecosystems.
- Utilize state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities, including local GPU clusters (>260 GPUs, 5+ PB storage) and national/pan-European infrastructure like EuroHPC LUMI.
- (For PhD candidates) Complete doctoral coursework and dissertation requirements under senior academic mentorship.
How to Apply
- Prepare Required Documents (All in English, PDF format):
- Cover Letter (Max 2 pages): Detailing research interests, alignment with the institute, future research plans, and preferred supervisor(s).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- List of Publications: Highlighting up to 5 key papers with links (Postdocs; PhD applicants if applicable).
- Academic Transcripts: PhD & MSc transcripts (for Postdoc applicants) or MSc & BSc transcripts (for PhD applicants).
- Degree Certificate (or a formal plan of completion if not yet graduated).
- References: Names and contact details of 2–3 senior academic referees (at least one independent PI, group leader, or professor).
- Online Submission: Submit your application electronically via the official ELLIS Institute Finland Recruitment Portal.
Last Date for Apply
- September 21, 2026 at 23:59 EEST (UTC+3)
