Finnish STEM PhD - Safety Expert

Obsidian; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Obsidian is seeking PhD-level scientists fluent in English and Finnish to help improve AI safety. Immediate start with training provided. You will write expert prompts in Finnish, assess model responses for scientific accuracy, and apply structured guidelines to classify prompts.

The role emphasizes responsible handling of dual-use information and requires deep familiarity with lab and computational techniques in your subfield. Based in Finland, with strong written English skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biology or closely related field, ongoing or completed.
• Native or near-native Finnish and business-level English.
• Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques.

Responsibilities

• Write expert-level prompts in Finnish across specialized scientific topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for accuracy and safety.
• Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.

Skills

Finnish fluency

English proficiency

Scientific writing

Safety awareness

Education

PhD in chemistry or biology

Job description

About the role

We're hiring PhD-level scientists who are proficient bilingual speakers (English & Finnish) to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your scientific expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized technical topics in Finnish. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow.

What you'll do

• Write expert-level prompts in Finnish across specialized scientific topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
• Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.

What we're looking for

• A PhD in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field — ongoing or completed — with the depth to write prompts across chemical, biological, or radiological and nuclear subject areas.
• Native or near-native fluency in Finnish, plus business-level written English.
• Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.
• Sound judgment around scientific safety and the responsible handling of dual-use information.

Nice to have

• Based in Finland or the wider Western Europe region. This is a preference, not a requirement — applicants based elsewhere are welcome.
• Radiological and nuclear coverage from a chemistry background is welcome — radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, energetic materials, or radiation physics all qualify.
• Demonstrated depth in a specific subfield rather than broad coverage — for example organic or inorganic synthesis, molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or genetics.
• Research or coursework touching on chemical safety and security, biosafety and biosecurity, or hazardous-materials handling.
• Experience reviewing, grading, or red-teaming technical content.

Project Timeline

• Start date: Immediate