Summary
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist in Computational Plant Genomics as part of the Business Finland-funded Q-GEN project (Quantum Computing Applications for Future Genomes and Biomaterials). The project combines plant genomics, bioinformatics, machine learning, and quantum/quantum-inspired computing to develop new approaches for analysing complex genomic and multi-omics datasets.
The successful candidate will work with the Plant Genetics and Genomics team at Luke and collaborate closely with quantum physicists at Aalto University and international research partners. The position offers an opportunity to develop algorithms for quantum and hybrid computing and test them in simulated and real quantum-computing environments.
Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Project | Q-GEN – Quantum Computing Applications for Future Genomes and Biomaterials |
| Employer | Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) |
| Research Area | Computational Plant Genomics, Bioinformatics, Multi-omics, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing |
| Location | Helsinki or Jokioinen, Finland |
| Employment Type | Temporary, Full-time or Part-time |
| Duration | 11 January 2027 – 31 August 2028 |
| Salary | Approximately €4,259–€4,445/month |
| Application Period | 5 October 2026 – 26 October 2026 |
| Job ID | 25276 |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
Designation
Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational Plant Genomics
Research Area
- Computational Plant Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Genomic and Multi-omics Data Analysis
- Quantum Computing and Quantum-inspired Computing
- Machine Learning
- Gene-network Estimation
- Multi-omics Modelling
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Data Science
Location
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
- Helsinki: Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Jokioinen: Tietotie 4, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
The position may include remote/mobile work within Finland, subject to agreement with the supervisor. Research visits to international collaborators are also expected.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A recently completed PhD/doctoral degree, typically obtained within the last five years, in a relevant discipline such as:
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- or a related field
- Experience analysing large genomic and/or multi-omics datasets.
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python.
- Experience with Unix-based high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- Good communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with quantum-computing platforms such as IBM Qiskit.
- Experience in machine learning.
- Research experience in plant genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology.
- Publications related to bioinformatics, plant genomics, machine learning, or quantum computing.
- Finnish-language skills are an advantage.
Job Description
The selected researcher will contribute to the Q-GEN project, which investigates how quantum and quantum-inspired computational methods can address challenging problems in biological data analysis.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying bioinformatics problems suitable for quantum and hybrid computational approaches.
- Developing new algorithms for genomic and multi-omics analysis.
- Working with quantum physicists at Aalto University to design and implement computational approaches.
- Applying developed methods in simulated and real quantum-computing environments.
- Analysing complex genomic and multi-omics datasets from plant species.
- Investigating applications such as gene-network estimation and multi-omics modelling.
- Conducting independent research and publishing results in high-quality scientific journals.
- Collaborating with Luke researchers, Aalto University researchers, and international partners.
- Participating in research visits and multidisciplinary research activities.
The researcher will be supervised by Dr Tuomas Hämälä and Dr Daniel Fischer at Luke and will collaborate closely with Professor Ilkka Tittonen’s group at Aalto University.
Salary & Benefits
The position is at complexity level 8 in Luke’s salary system, with a position-specific salary of €3,704.31/month. A personal performance component of up to 50% may be added. For a new employee, the performance component generally ranges from 15–20%, resulting in an approximate starting salary of €4,259–€4,445/month.
Luke also offers:
- Flexible working hours
- Mobile/remote work opportunities within Finland
- Long vacations as employment continues
- Lunch benefits
- Sports, culture, or commuting support
- International research collaboration opportunities
- A diverse and inclusive research environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application during the official application period through the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) recruitment portal.
For additional information, applicants can contact:
Sirja Viitala
Research Manager
Email: sirja.viitala@luke.fi
Phone: +358 29 532 6636
Daniel Fischer
Senior Scientist
Phone: +358 29 532 6670
Tuomas Hämälä
Senior Scientist
Phone: +358 29 532 2239
Registry:
Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
Last Date to Apply
26 October 2026 at 16:00 (Finnish time)
Application Period: 5 October 2026, 08:30 – 26 October 2026, 16:00
Job ID: 25276
Expected Start Date: 11 January 2027
End Date: 31 August 2028
