Four Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

The Aalto University Department of Information and Computer Science ics.tkk.fi/en/ pursues research on advanced computational methods for modelling, analysing, and solving complex tasks in technology and science. The research aims at the development of fundamental computer science methods for the analysis of large and high-dimensional data sets, and for the modelling and design of complex software, networking and other computational systems.

In the recent Research Assessment Exercise covering all the 46 units of Aalto University, the department was one of two units achieving an almost perfect score of 24 out of 25, from review panels assessing the units on a scale of 1 to 5 in the five subareas of scientific quality, scientific impact, societal impact, research environment, and future potential.

To promote its modern, ambitious, and forward-looking research agenda, the department is presently seeking to hire postdoctoral researchers in the following areas:

  • Machine Learning and Algorithmic Data Analysis
  • Computational Methods for Networks of Autonomous Agents
  • Constructing and Solving Large Constraint Models
  • Computational Theory of Nanoscale Self-Assembly

    The contract period is 1.8.2010-31.12.2012 (the starting date is negotiable). In addition to their personal research work, the postdocs are expected to participate in specialist teaching and student supervision in the indicated areas of research, in collaboration with the research groups presently active at the department.

    Application procedure: The candidate should send their expression of interest, contact information, and names and contact information of two senior academics available for reference by the deadline of Monday 15 March 2010, 4 p.m.EET per e-mail to the address "postdocs2010@ics.tkk.fi". The following documents should be attached to the e-mail in pdf:

  • 1. A research statement of at most five pages outlining planned postdoctoral work.
  • 2. Curriculum vitae.
  • 3. List of publications, with pointers to openly available online versions of at most three of the most relevant publications.
  • 4. Degree certificate of the PhD degree. In case the doctoral degree is still pending, an up-to-date study transcript and a plan for completion of the degree should be provided.


    The candidate should also arrange for reference letters from the two indicated senior academics to be sent separately to the address "postdocs2010@ics.tkk.fi" by the deadline of the call.
    The salary level for beginning postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University is typically between 3000 and 3300 Euro/month, depending on experience and qualifications. The contract includes occupational health and social security benefits.

    Applications will be reviewed in late March, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview in Helsinki in April 2010.

    In the review process, particular emphasis is put on the quality of the candidate's previous research and international experience, together with the substance, innovativeness, and feasibility of the research plan, and its relevance to the department's mission. Good command of English is a necessary prerequisite. The candidate must have completed their PhD degree before the start of the contract period, and efficient and successful completion of studies is considered an additional merit.

    A concurrent postdoc call is being launched by the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT www.hiit.fi/postdocs2010/. The required application materials, as well as the conditions pertaining to qualifications, tasks, and salaries of the positions are the same in both calls. In case candidates submit applications to both calls, the processing is coordinated by the two institutions; however a separate set of materials should be submitted to each. Also joint affiliations covering both institutions are possible; candidates interested in such arrangements are requested to indicate this on their application material.

    For further information, please contact:

  • Research Coordinator, Ms. Satu Jääskeläinen, e-mail "satu.jaaskelainen@tkk.fi" (application process, practical arrangements)
  • Head of Department, Prof. Pekka Orponen, e-mail "pekka.orponen@tkk.fi" (research areas, departmental information)

    About Aalto University

    Aalto University is a newly created research university resulting from the merger of three Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Tehnology TKK, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. The new university was launched in January 2010, and opens up a new world of possibilities for multidisciplinary education and research. For further information, see www.aalto.fi/en/